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Light & Shadow #3
Shadow's End
At last, Catwin and Miriel have chosen their own path, escaping the Court and its machinations, and fleeing to the Norstrung Provinces, to aid the rebellion. As they shed the masks and deceptions of their former life, however, both must face the fact that the same dark forces they fled are at work even in the furthest reaches of Heddred.
But it is not only avarice and hatred that endanger them—the prophecy made at Catwin’s birth is slowly but surely coming true, and betrayal has followed her in her escape from the court. As the shadows of war and rebellion mass, Catwin must face the fact that if she wishes to be true to herself and her alliance with Miriel, it may be she who bears the cost of saving her kingdom…
But it is not only avarice and hatred that endanger them—the prophecy made at Catwin’s birth is slowly but surely coming true, and betrayal has followed her in her escape from the court. As the shadows of war and rebellion mass, Catwin must face the fact that if she wishes to be true to herself and her alliance with Miriel, it may be she who bears the cost of saving her kingdom…
217 pages, Paperback
First published April 9, 2013
27 people are currently reading
318 people want to read
About the author
Moira Katson
34 books96 followersI am a transplant to the frozen wastes of the midwest, learning to love fried food on a stick, hot dish, and the winters. Having recently bought a house, I am also learning everything from how to wire chandeliers to how best to paint a room. (Also, I spend too much time at Menard's.)
I have been writing since I was old enough to read, and I write on every scrap of paper I can get my hands on. In the meantime, I read - oh, I read so much! I like to read articles about science, about economics, about psychology and neuroscience and sociology... Some of my greatest character inspiration has come from true-life tales of people at the center of historical events, and some of it has come from the "what-ifs" that academic inquiry produces.
I encourage you to stop past my website for the latest news on my work! You can find print copies of my work on Amazon and CreateSpace, and my books are available for Kindle, Nook, and through all channels served by Smashwords!
I have been writing since I was old enough to read, and I write on every scrap of paper I can get my hands on. In the meantime, I read - oh, I read so much! I like to read articles about science, about economics, about psychology and neuroscience and sociology... Some of my greatest character inspiration has come from true-life tales of people at the center of historical events, and some of it has come from the "what-ifs" that academic inquiry produces.
I encourage you to stop past my website for the latest news on my work! You can find print copies of my work on Amazon and CreateSpace, and my books are available for Kindle, Nook, and through all channels served by Smashwords!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 14, 2013
This is the third book of an excellent first trilogy by a new writer in the Fantasy genre. Each book has built on the previous volume, taking both characters and plot to new levels of complexity and realism. Catwin and Miriel (who share the role of protagonists) develop authentically from insecure young teens to strong young women. The first two books Shadowborn (Light & Shadow) (Volume 1) and Shadowforged (Light & Shadow) introduce them (and the reader) to the profoundly unsettling dangers of the court in which they move -- initially as pawns, then gradually with subversive agendas of their own. In this final book of the trilogy, Katson gathers the many threads of her story and weaves them into a psychologically and emotionally challenging conclusion that is satisfying without being simplistic or superficial.
Without unpacking the story in too much detail (or spoiling the two startling turns it takes), it is possible to say that every character becomes deeper and more interesting as the reader is introduced to a new backdrop for Miriel and Catwin. Their relationship to each other grows and changes as they move away from the court for a time. But the reader is also invited to participate in the intricate interweaving of the relationships between Miriel, Catwin, the Duke, Marie, Temar, Wilhelm and Roine with appreciation for the inner and outer forces that shape and drive each of them.
I am particularly impressed by the care this writer brings to developing even the most peripheral characters. There is no sense that a person exists only to provide some necessary twist in the plot. Rather, the plot unfolds as a direct result of this (large and diverse) group of people coming together in this particular way at this specific time in the history of this nation. There is no feeling that events are being manipulated by the writer. Katson clearly respects her readers as intelligent and thoughtful companions. She doesn't try to trick us nor does she disrespect our time.
I am looking forward to what comes next from her pen and fertile imagination.
This is an author to watch!
Without unpacking the story in too much detail (or spoiling the two startling turns it takes), it is possible to say that every character becomes deeper and more interesting as the reader is introduced to a new backdrop for Miriel and Catwin. Their relationship to each other grows and changes as they move away from the court for a time. But the reader is also invited to participate in the intricate interweaving of the relationships between Miriel, Catwin, the Duke, Marie, Temar, Wilhelm and Roine with appreciation for the inner and outer forces that shape and drive each of them.
I am particularly impressed by the care this writer brings to developing even the most peripheral characters. There is no sense that a person exists only to provide some necessary twist in the plot. Rather, the plot unfolds as a direct result of this (large and diverse) group of people coming together in this particular way at this specific time in the history of this nation. There is no feeling that events are being manipulated by the writer. Katson clearly respects her readers as intelligent and thoughtful companions. She doesn't try to trick us nor does she disrespect our time.
I am looking forward to what comes next from her pen and fertile imagination.
This is an author to watch!
June 9, 2013
I just finished reading Shadow's End by Moira Katson. It is a well-rounded conclusion to the trilogy in which "ah-ha" moments are to be relished!
The book picks up where Shadowforged left off: Catwin and Miriel escape the Duke and retreat to the countryside inspiring lay folk into rebellion. Upon returning to court each encounters changes they did not expect. Relationships are challenged and the girls discover that again they are each others' most reliable companion.
Again, questions from the text draw us further along. Will Miriel succeed in her task securing the favor of the King? Will Catwin uncover the mystery of Temar's life as a Shadow; how will this help us understand the Duke's intentions? Ultimately, the readers wait for the looming prophecy to unfurl. What or who will bring the ultimate betrayal? Where will power in the kingdom lay "when the balance tips"?
"I had the sense... that I could see a vast pattern, beyond the Duke and Temar and Jacces and Garad, stretching across the whole of the earth and all of time. I had always scorned fate and those who believed in it, and yet here we were--and for some reason, when I thought on that, I did not think that we were simply on a cold, muddy field. I had the sense that we were following a path, some direction we could not quite see. It was far beyond my knowledge as yet, but I knew some of the shape of it. Miriel and I were learning what questions to ask, that we might realize what it was we saw." (location 8773 of 12377)
Overall a great read. I was not left with too many questions; instead I marveled at how the truth of the story was always present before my eyes. At the conclusion I enjoyed recalling how the mystery appeared on the surface of the story but the undercurrents were clear and consistent. Well done, Katson! Not only do I anticipate her next publication, I am looking into the Mahalia collection which appears to also be available for download on Kindle and Nook :)
(cross-posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)
The book picks up where Shadowforged left off: Catwin and Miriel escape the Duke and retreat to the countryside inspiring lay folk into rebellion. Upon returning to court each encounters changes they did not expect. Relationships are challenged and the girls discover that again they are each others' most reliable companion.
Again, questions from the text draw us further along. Will Miriel succeed in her task securing the favor of the King? Will Catwin uncover the mystery of Temar's life as a Shadow; how will this help us understand the Duke's intentions? Ultimately, the readers wait for the looming prophecy to unfurl. What or who will bring the ultimate betrayal? Where will power in the kingdom lay "when the balance tips"?
"I had the sense... that I could see a vast pattern, beyond the Duke and Temar and Jacces and Garad, stretching across the whole of the earth and all of time. I had always scorned fate and those who believed in it, and yet here we were--and for some reason, when I thought on that, I did not think that we were simply on a cold, muddy field. I had the sense that we were following a path, some direction we could not quite see. It was far beyond my knowledge as yet, but I knew some of the shape of it. Miriel and I were learning what questions to ask, that we might realize what it was we saw." (location 8773 of 12377)
Overall a great read. I was not left with too many questions; instead I marveled at how the truth of the story was always present before my eyes. At the conclusion I enjoyed recalling how the mystery appeared on the surface of the story but the undercurrents were clear and consistent. Well done, Katson! Not only do I anticipate her next publication, I am looking into the Mahalia collection which appears to also be available for download on Kindle and Nook :)
(cross-posted to Amazon and Barnes and Noble.)
July 29, 2015
What an awesome ending to the Light & Shadow trilogy. Moira Katson is definitely an author to watch for!
Starting this trilogy, I would have never imagined that I would become as invested in the story and as attached to the characters as I have. The story was perfectly crafted and the characters had a depth that I haven’t seen in a long while.
If you haven’t started this trilogy, do yourself a favor and pick up the first book (it’s even free!).
Starting this trilogy, I would have never imagined that I would become as invested in the story and as attached to the characters as I have. The story was perfectly crafted and the characters had a depth that I haven’t seen in a long while.
If you haven’t started this trilogy, do yourself a favor and pick up the first book (it’s even free!).
September 13, 2013
Just finished reading Moira Katson's Light & Shadow trilogy and must say I haven't enjoyed myself as much since reading Stephen King's "The Stand" many years ago. The characters are well drawn and have a depth that is hard to find these days. The plot is as rich as the characters and draws you on, page after page. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a good read. It is that rare form of book that has only one major flaw - it comes to an end.
April 1, 2016
I'll admit it, the first book in this series was free on amazon and that's the only reason I started this series, but I'm glad I did. It was a fun run and worth the read. This series was good, even if it didn't end the way I expected.
December 13, 2013
Review to come later. Lots of typos and missing words in this ebook copy though - that is what lost the fifth star.
January 29, 2022
Summary: Good ending to the series ... except there's a 4th book. Everything is tidied up, some of the explanations don't quite gel, but very good series, highly recommended
Plotline: 2 girls forced together one light the other shadow. The plot moves on quickly, power to the people and all that
Premise: Interesting world, not much evidence of magic other than prophesy and possibly healing
Writing: Very good, easy, descriptive
Ending: Great all tied up. But here comes book 4 ?
Pace: Never a dull moment!
Plotline: 2 girls forced together one light the other shadow. The plot moves on quickly, power to the people and all that
Premise: Interesting world, not much evidence of magic other than prophesy and possibly healing
Writing: Very good, easy, descriptive
Ending: Great all tied up. But here comes book 4 ?
Pace: Never a dull moment!
August 6, 2018
Entrancing
Moira continues to tell Catwin & Miriel's tale with skill. There are some very big surprises and plot twists. I enjoyed seeing them grow and mature, and even though there is much sadness and darkness; there is also joy, hope, and light. I was very happy to see this isn't a trilogy, but that I can continue with Shadow's Oath.
Moira continues to tell Catwin & Miriel's tale with skill. There are some very big surprises and plot twists. I enjoyed seeing them grow and mature, and even though there is much sadness and darkness; there is also joy, hope, and light. I was very happy to see this isn't a trilogy, but that I can continue with Shadow's Oath.
January 3, 2020
Breathtaking heartwrenching surprises
This is not the ending I expected. Happy seems too strong of a word to describe what it came to be. We finally have a conclusion of their journey through the court. The tears I shed have been well worth it.
This is not the ending I expected. Happy seems too strong of a word to describe what it came to be. We finally have a conclusion of their journey through the court. The tears I shed have been well worth it.
September 19, 2019
Read all 3 they are well worth it
Three great books few grammar errors but well written with believable characters that make you want to keep going til the end.
Three great books few grammar errors but well written with believable characters that make you want to keep going til the end.
January 1, 2022
This was full of action and emotion! Really well done.
July 21, 2014
This was the first book I have read in a long while that was not written by a big name writer in either fantasy or historical fiction that I found readable on the level of pure personal enjoyment. I was able to turn off my editor and just relax and enjoy it. The book is well-written and the characters are interesting. I liked that the style is not at all minimalist, but neither is it lush to the degree that it caused me second-hand embarrassment.
If I could have changed the book in any way, or if I had read it before publication, I would have suggested that she deepen the world with more details. The basic framework is there, but it is both shallow and revealed too slowly.
The secondary characters could use a bit more grounding that world. Making the world deeper and stronger would give the author more and better motivations for her characters and/or stronger characters might demand more from their world. One could approach it from either side, but more is needed.
The sensory side of the story could use some enrichment also. I did not carry away with me many strong visual images, scents, sounds, or enough of an ambiance to feel strongly grounded in the physical world. The north is cold and mountainous; the south is warmer and greener. Clothes were described in detail, but at a distance. Specific food is mentioned, but without filtering through the point of view character in such a way as to leave the reader with a strong visual much less a sensory component. To show more and deeper peripheral details could have raised this book from a workmanlike exercise of great promise to a fully satisfying fantasy novel which could compete with any of the best writers in the genre. I wanted to care more about all of the secondary characters, but largely they feel distant. The main narrator's feelings could be manifested better in more dialog and less internal monolog. There is too much telling me how she feels instead of manifesting her doubts and pain. At times she feels like a fantastic first draft.
I think the author should slow down and give her story time and a chance to grow and deepen before rushing into print. I feel like she has good instincts, but not the patience yet to write the book she could and should write.
If I could have changed the book in any way, or if I had read it before publication, I would have suggested that she deepen the world with more details. The basic framework is there, but it is both shallow and revealed too slowly.
The secondary characters could use a bit more grounding that world. Making the world deeper and stronger would give the author more and better motivations for her characters and/or stronger characters might demand more from their world. One could approach it from either side, but more is needed.
The sensory side of the story could use some enrichment also. I did not carry away with me many strong visual images, scents, sounds, or enough of an ambiance to feel strongly grounded in the physical world. The north is cold and mountainous; the south is warmer and greener. Clothes were described in detail, but at a distance. Specific food is mentioned, but without filtering through the point of view character in such a way as to leave the reader with a strong visual much less a sensory component. To show more and deeper peripheral details could have raised this book from a workmanlike exercise of great promise to a fully satisfying fantasy novel which could compete with any of the best writers in the genre. I wanted to care more about all of the secondary characters, but largely they feel distant. The main narrator's feelings could be manifested better in more dialog and less internal monolog. There is too much telling me how she feels instead of manifesting her doubts and pain. At times she feels like a fantastic first draft.
I think the author should slow down and give her story time and a chance to grow and deepen before rushing into print. I feel like she has good instincts, but not the patience yet to write the book she could and should write.
July 23, 2016
I was impressed by this series, the Light and Shadow trilogy, which was another one of my fabulous Bookbub bargains. (Er, by the way, since I talk about them so much, one might wonder if I’m affiliated, but I’m not. Though I’ve acquired enough $0.99 and free books from them, I should probably take out stock.)
This is both a fascinating character-driven and an interesting plot-driven story, wrapped in an engrossing fantasy world. Catwin, the main character, comes from a poor family, and until she’s noticed by the Duke of Voltur, she’s destined to amount to nothing but kitchen help. Instead, he sees potential in her and sets to training her to be his niece Miriel’s bodyguard and assassin–whether she wants to or not.
Her struggles with the atrocities she’s forced to commit are potent and heart-rending. The uneasy friendship that grows from initial hatred between the two girls is well-crafted. They dance around one another, neither sure if the other can be trusted, but having no choice but to rely on one another.
I’m not going to spoiler anything from the second and third books, but I loved how the story developed. The stakes continue to raise, as Miriel must do her uncle’s bidding and, well, Catwin must, also.
I rated the third book as four stars because I wasn’t impressed with the culmination of Catwin’s prophecy: As a baby, her mother refused to raise her because she foretold that her daughter would be betrayed. A lot of that back story made no sense, and when the betrayal comes, I can’t really understand why. It’s almost … or completely … a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I don’t really understand why the characters involved choose their actions.
Overall, I loved this series and I heartily recommend it. If you enjoy fantasy, either young adult or adult, you’ll enjoy the Light and Shadow trilogy. Ms. Katson is now on my list of “Authors I Must Read More of If Ever My TBR Pile Diminishes.”
Also posted on my blog, Magic & Mayhem Book Reviews.
This is both a fascinating character-driven and an interesting plot-driven story, wrapped in an engrossing fantasy world. Catwin, the main character, comes from a poor family, and until she’s noticed by the Duke of Voltur, she’s destined to amount to nothing but kitchen help. Instead, he sees potential in her and sets to training her to be his niece Miriel’s bodyguard and assassin–whether she wants to or not.
Her struggles with the atrocities she’s forced to commit are potent and heart-rending. The uneasy friendship that grows from initial hatred between the two girls is well-crafted. They dance around one another, neither sure if the other can be trusted, but having no choice but to rely on one another.
I’m not going to spoiler anything from the second and third books, but I loved how the story developed. The stakes continue to raise, as Miriel must do her uncle’s bidding and, well, Catwin must, also.
I rated the third book as four stars because I wasn’t impressed with the culmination of Catwin’s prophecy: As a baby, her mother refused to raise her because she foretold that her daughter would be betrayed. A lot of that back story made no sense, and when the betrayal comes, I can’t really understand why. It’s almost … or completely … a self-fulfilling prophecy, and I don’t really understand why the characters involved choose their actions.
Overall, I loved this series and I heartily recommend it. If you enjoy fantasy, either young adult or adult, you’ll enjoy the Light and Shadow trilogy. Ms. Katson is now on my list of “Authors I Must Read More of If Ever My TBR Pile Diminishes.”
Also posted on my blog, Magic & Mayhem Book Reviews.
October 14, 2013
I shan't include any spoilers but, instead, speak to the strength of the author's writing. Over the three books, she developed and extensive network of intrigue and schemes. The character development was top-notch and the plot moved along in such a way that by the end of book two, I'd begun to see the skeins of the web that Catwin and Miriel were in...by a tenth of the way into the third book, I was certain of where the betrayal would come from and could only watch horrified as Catwin moved in the dark.
Her development is comparable to Jacqueline Carey's Terre d'Ange (although NO ONE executes it quite as well as Carey and I doubt anyone ever will) and the ending is...beautiful. A beginning of sorts.
I really enjoyed this trilogy very much and would love to read more from her.
Her development is comparable to Jacqueline Carey's Terre d'Ange (although NO ONE executes it quite as well as Carey and I doubt anyone ever will) and the ending is...beautiful. A beginning of sorts.
I really enjoyed this trilogy very much and would love to read more from her.
November 14, 2013
This series is one of the best I've read all year and Shadow's End was an excellent closer to the trilogy.
I so enjoyed the evolution of the two main characters in this series and the way their relationship to each other changed along the way as well.
The plot progression remained wonderfully well told trough to the end. Many loose ends were wrapped up and questions answered. I was not left with any "but what about"s. I also respected that the end showing you the hope for the future is not predictable or some contrived Happily Ever After.
I figured out the betrayer at the beginning of the second book in the trilogy, but thought the author did an awesome job of leaving that uncertain and the reveal being meaningful.
So all in all, excellent series. Excellent last book.
I so enjoyed the evolution of the two main characters in this series and the way their relationship to each other changed along the way as well.
The plot progression remained wonderfully well told trough to the end. Many loose ends were wrapped up and questions answered. I was not left with any "but what about"s. I also respected that the end showing you the hope for the future is not predictable or some contrived Happily Ever After.
I figured out the betrayer at the beginning of the second book in the trilogy, but thought the author did an awesome job of leaving that uncertain and the reveal being meaningful.
So all in all, excellent series. Excellent last book.
July 20, 2016
This book did not end as I thought it might, but i still enjoyed the read. Learning that the Duke was actually a King in a different country by marriage really made me dislike him even more. All because of his ambitions, the lives of so many people were ruined. I'm just glad that Catwin and Miriel managed to escape his clutches. Perhaps badly bruised and deeply scarred but definitely not broken or defeated.
November 2, 2015
3 STARS!!! I really had trouble with the beginning, but it got better
All in all I liked this trilogy, but I never really liked the pace of the story. Also, the beginning of this book wasn't believable, so that made it more difficult. Characters of Katwin and Miriel were good and well developed. Never really got Roine character or the prophecy. A lot of court intrigue which was good in some respects, confusing in others. Ok read, not spectacular. Happy Reading!
Tim
All in all I liked this trilogy, but I never really liked the pace of the story. Also, the beginning of this book wasn't believable, so that made it more difficult. Characters of Katwin and Miriel were good and well developed. Never really got Roine character or the prophecy. A lot of court intrigue which was good in some respects, confusing in others. Ok read, not spectacular. Happy Reading!
Tim
August 20, 2015
I'm so deeply moved I can hardly bear facing the real world. What a perfect ending. What a painful, desperate, heartbreaking journey. I almost want to start rereading this series from the beginning this very second, but I'll resist...let the enormity of it all sink in. Two heroines I'll never forget, so deeply developed, and will draw much inspiration from in many ways.
October 7, 2014
Unexpected ending
I liked this trilogy: the characters and the plot. I was surprised by the ending. It resolved all the questions that had been piling up throughout the books, but it wasn't a very satisfying ending because it was so sad. But I guess you can't always get a happy ending.
I liked this trilogy: the characters and the plot. I was surprised by the ending. It resolved all the questions that had been piling up throughout the books, but it wasn't a very satisfying ending because it was so sad. But I guess you can't always get a happy ending.
February 19, 2014
There were some problems with the ebook formatting on this one, enough that I would prefer to give it 4.5 stars, but it was a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I didn't expect from the first book how it would exactly end, though I did guess who would betray her and how the romance would end.
April 8, 2014
1st - I received this book in return for my review
2nd - This is the book I was waiting for! Of all 3 - this is the one that finally shows what the writer can do! The characters are well developed and the story finally goes somewhere! Glad it wrapped up and pleased with the ending.
2nd - This is the book I was waiting for! Of all 3 - this is the one that finally shows what the writer can do! The characters are well developed and the story finally goes somewhere! Glad it wrapped up and pleased with the ending.
January 1, 2015
the perfect finish to the series. It couldn't have ended any other way. I almost wanted to start over at the beginning again right away, just to see what I missed. everything was as I expected but also surprising. well worth the read. clean and not too mushie. well done Miss Katson.
January 14, 2015
Not like the average fantasy novel: if you're into dragons and spells and big battles, this might not be the book for you. Catwin is not the typical brave heroine, but it made her all the more likeable.
November 10, 2015
Third in the series telling about the girls and their continuing life, in this one they help stop the war and draft a treaty to help the "peons". They still haven't found happiness but they are still alive and moving forward.
May 12, 2017
Really interesting series, loved the story and the characters. There was too much detail about the families and the conduct of all the nobles in parts but overall I was really engaged throughout the series. The plot twists were unexpected and the characterization was good.
August 14, 2013
I did cry, though given the nature of things that's not surprising. So fitting in all ways.
October 9, 2013
Liked the ending a lot!
November 5, 2013
Well written enough to make me sad and happy at the end.
November 10, 2013
An excellent ending to the series. I really enjoy Moira's storytelling style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews