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Shadows of Ghosts
Shadows of Ghosts carries readers to Enara, a kingdom at war with itself, where for centuries centaurs have been treated like animals because of their horse-like lower bodies; they've been forced to work as slaves in the southern agricultural provinces, and have been bought and sold like livestock. But a strong abolitionist faction has convinced many that centaurs' human torsos, heads, and intellectual abilities make them humans, who should be liberated from slavery and granted the same rights as any other person. After four years of being forced to live in a remote village and having to keep his real identity a secret, Cal Lanshire, days away from his thirteenth birthday, is given the best birthday present he can imagine. He is told the war is almost over and he will soon be allowed to return home. But then an old acquaintance unexpectedly arrives with news that changes everything. Cal's father, the king, has been assassinated. Suddenly the outcome of the war and the very fate of the kingdom depend upon Cal being able to reach the capital where he will take his father's place. With only his crafty best friend by his side and an escaped centaur slave to guide him, can Cal make it through an enchanted, hostile wilderness, past the assassins sent to kill him, and back to the capital before it's too late?
- GenresFantasy
324 pages, Paperback
First published November 27, 2013
330 people want to read
About the author
Stefan Haucke
2 books70 followersStefan Haucke, driven by the desire to learn about other cultures and the need for adventure, has traveled to over twenty nations. He rode a camel near the pyramids in Egypt, swam with sea lions in the waters of the Galapagos Islands, climbed the Great Wall of China, hiked near the Acropolis in Athens, went dog sledding in northern Michigan, and photographed polar bears in Canada.
Along his many travels, Stefan has successfully worked as a deckhand, a shepherd, a dispatcher for an emergency services unit, an electric meter reader, and an office manger. He has also found the time to study the literature and history of ancient Greece, Russia, and the United States, and loves reading folktales, fairytales, and urban legends. He also enjoys astronomy, and on clear nights can be found gazing at the stars and planets with his telescope.
Along his many travels, Stefan has successfully worked as a deckhand, a shepherd, a dispatcher for an emergency services unit, an electric meter reader, and an office manger. He has also found the time to study the literature and history of ancient Greece, Russia, and the United States, and loves reading folktales, fairytales, and urban legends. He also enjoys astronomy, and on clear nights can be found gazing at the stars and planets with his telescope.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 18, 2014
In Shadows of Ghosts, the kingdom of Enara is embroiled in a bitter civil war between the supporters of the slavery of Centaurs and those opposed to it. Cal Lanshire, the pre-teen heir to the throne has been rushed into hiding to protect him. To explain why he is always surrounded with adults, people are told that he is a distant cousin of the king. To keep him safe, he is not supposed to make friends with any of the children who live in the area. However, when he meets Mont, the son of a Congressor (supporters of slavery), who has become an outcast because of his father’s views, they become fast friends. This friendship will sustain them through the very harrowing adventures ahead for them as the war comes to an end but the sides remain divided and Cal must make his way home through enemy territory.
That this fantasy novel aimed at middle-graders is meant as an allegory of the American Civil War is apparent throughout. It is clearly meant to make this important period of history interesting and accessible to its young readers and it certainly does that. The characters of Cal and Mont are extremely likable as is Ellsben, the escaped centaur who has agreed to lead them despite the very real danger it puts him in. There is plenty of edge-of-your-seat adventure to keep the reader entertained throughout the novel. At times, there is a great deal of tension as the trio face constant obstacles that may be a bit much for a very young reader but, for the most part, this is the kind of story which will appeal to adults as well as both a middle-grade and YA audience.
The story also raises important questions about racism and prejudice, forgiveness and whether children should suffer for the sins of their parents. However, these moral issues never overwhelm the story which is, first and foremost, an exciting adventure tale from beginning to end.
That this fantasy novel aimed at middle-graders is meant as an allegory of the American Civil War is apparent throughout. It is clearly meant to make this important period of history interesting and accessible to its young readers and it certainly does that. The characters of Cal and Mont are extremely likable as is Ellsben, the escaped centaur who has agreed to lead them despite the very real danger it puts him in. There is plenty of edge-of-your-seat adventure to keep the reader entertained throughout the novel. At times, there is a great deal of tension as the trio face constant obstacles that may be a bit much for a very young reader but, for the most part, this is the kind of story which will appeal to adults as well as both a middle-grade and YA audience.
The story also raises important questions about racism and prejudice, forgiveness and whether children should suffer for the sins of their parents. However, these moral issues never overwhelm the story which is, first and foremost, an exciting adventure tale from beginning to end.
January 19, 2024
"Shadows of Ghosts" unfolds as an epic tale reminiscent of both the Lord of the Rings and Chronicles of Narnia series. The adventures of Cal, Mont, and Ellsben draw them closer, ensuring the future of the kingdom of Enara through a profound understanding of each other. Their journey, set against high stakes and limited time, becomes a self-discovery where Cal's race against time to claim the throne and fulfill his father's legacy adds a compelling twist. If you're seeking your next great adventure, look no further than "Shadows of Ghosts."
March 19, 2014
‘Shadow of Ghosts’ follows Cal and Mont as they set out on a quest to lead Cal to safety, with the guidance of Zinn (Cal’s fathers advisor) and then Ellsben, a trusty centaur. It’s by no means an easy journey, not least because of the urgency of the situation and the war going on. As we know from Stefan’s guest post, the book falls under the fantasy genre but with a lot of historical influences. This provides enough of a resemblance to the past that we know to help us get into the book, it just has added centaurs and that’s never a bad thing.
For me, fantasy isn’t a genre I’ve read much of but, based on this book, that’s going to change. I loved it. It’s very easy to forget just how young the two boys (Cal and Mont) are when reading this and it’s also easy to forget that Ellsben was a centaur, two things that definitely helped me to get into the book. The war in the story is centred around centaurs – those who think they should have freedom and those that don’t. The fact that you read it and forget Ellsben is a centaur tells me that I’d be on the side of those who think they should be free, as they’re no different to humans.
There’s a clear timeline throughout the book which ensures you know where you are and everything falls into place. It also helps to set certain scenes and give you a better idea of how the characters would be feeling – how stressed, tired, weary they would have been, etc. The timeline is proof that the book is well structured which brings me on to the actual writing style. Not once was I bored when reading this, there was tension when there needed to be, excitement, fear, and so many other emotions – all of which were clear and kept you reading more, desperate to know how it ended.
The friendship between Cal and Mont is very touching – they go through some of the worst things they’re likely to experience together and see some sights that nobody should ever see, least of all two people as young as they. Throughout it all, however, they remain firm friends. The fact that Cal and Mont come from completely different backgrounds is never an issue for them – they hold the same morals and beliefs – and that’s something that people in today’s society (and, sadly, I fear every society to come) could learn from. They go through some extreme things and to some even greater lengths to protect each other and help each other out which is fantastic to read about.
Not all of the characters are so much of a joy to read, however. One in particular, Kozal, is a peculiar character from the moment we’re introduced to him. He starts of creepy but helpful, then becomes a traitor, then becomes helpful again. I’m not sure of this is intentional but, for me, it gave me the impression that this was a way of giving an example of the impact the war (be it fiction or in reality) has on peoples mental states. He was a liar, crazy, and selfish and yet he was also true to his word and helpful.
There were a number of surprises in this book, both with things that happened and also the way in which characters reacted to them. The entire time I read this, I didn’t know what was going to happen; I couldn’t even hazard a guess. That’s rare for me – I’m not saying I always work everything out immediately but I often have a rough idea of the ending. With this, I didn’t; yet another reason to like the book and its structure/writing style.
Based on the blurb, I knew I would enjoy ‘Shadow of Ghosts’ but I never thought I’d love it as much as I did. It’s fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the book and felt like I was on the journey with Cal, Mont, and Ellsben. Although it is a fantasy book, there are certain elements that were relatable and, because of the influence history had on the book, it makes it easier to get into the book. What I would say, however, is there are some slightly graphic moments in the book which you might want to avoid if you’re easily squeamish – I bloody loved them!
For me, fantasy isn’t a genre I’ve read much of but, based on this book, that’s going to change. I loved it. It’s very easy to forget just how young the two boys (Cal and Mont) are when reading this and it’s also easy to forget that Ellsben was a centaur, two things that definitely helped me to get into the book. The war in the story is centred around centaurs – those who think they should have freedom and those that don’t. The fact that you read it and forget Ellsben is a centaur tells me that I’d be on the side of those who think they should be free, as they’re no different to humans.
There’s a clear timeline throughout the book which ensures you know where you are and everything falls into place. It also helps to set certain scenes and give you a better idea of how the characters would be feeling – how stressed, tired, weary they would have been, etc. The timeline is proof that the book is well structured which brings me on to the actual writing style. Not once was I bored when reading this, there was tension when there needed to be, excitement, fear, and so many other emotions – all of which were clear and kept you reading more, desperate to know how it ended.
The friendship between Cal and Mont is very touching – they go through some of the worst things they’re likely to experience together and see some sights that nobody should ever see, least of all two people as young as they. Throughout it all, however, they remain firm friends. The fact that Cal and Mont come from completely different backgrounds is never an issue for them – they hold the same morals and beliefs – and that’s something that people in today’s society (and, sadly, I fear every society to come) could learn from. They go through some extreme things and to some even greater lengths to protect each other and help each other out which is fantastic to read about.
Not all of the characters are so much of a joy to read, however. One in particular, Kozal, is a peculiar character from the moment we’re introduced to him. He starts of creepy but helpful, then becomes a traitor, then becomes helpful again. I’m not sure of this is intentional but, for me, it gave me the impression that this was a way of giving an example of the impact the war (be it fiction or in reality) has on peoples mental states. He was a liar, crazy, and selfish and yet he was also true to his word and helpful.
There were a number of surprises in this book, both with things that happened and also the way in which characters reacted to them. The entire time I read this, I didn’t know what was going to happen; I couldn’t even hazard a guess. That’s rare for me – I’m not saying I always work everything out immediately but I often have a rough idea of the ending. With this, I didn’t; yet another reason to like the book and its structure/writing style.
Based on the blurb, I knew I would enjoy ‘Shadow of Ghosts’ but I never thought I’d love it as much as I did. It’s fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of the book and felt like I was on the journey with Cal, Mont, and Ellsben. Although it is a fantasy book, there are certain elements that were relatable and, because of the influence history had on the book, it makes it easier to get into the book. What I would say, however, is there are some slightly graphic moments in the book which you might want to avoid if you’re easily squeamish – I bloody loved them!
March 16, 2014
Well, if the Centaurs weren’t so awesome, then the 12 year old boy who this story is based around it! Think about what the world would be like with Centaurs. Well, in here, they are captured and turned into slaves. And boy, did it make me tear up a few times, but mostly, it made me so mad, I was ready to go all crazy cajun lady on them. I will say that this had a very Civil War, Abraham Lincoln, slave similarities. I will say history was not one of my favorite subjects in school, BUT I did take lots of it, and remember what I’ve learned. The North and the South have different feelings on slaves. The northern territories, where the king is located, doesn’t want or use slaves, so the Centaurs there are workers, like people, though maybe not treated quite as nice. The southern territories are all about slave labor. And they aren’t scared to say it. And they aren’t afraid to kill to keep what’s theirs. It’s a very complex story, and though Cal is 12, I don’t know if I’d place it in strictly the kids section, but I would place it in young adult. It’s still a good story!
So, Cal is the Prince, and when the war starts, his father, the king, sends him to hide out in a little village with is tutor. Here he meets Mont, who I loved! Coolest bestie ever. :) Mont’s dad left him to go fight in the war, for the southern side, as he, like so many, think of Centaurs as animals, with filth and degradation. And Mont gets the blame of the village for his dad’s actions. Needless to say, these two become the best of pals, enough to save each other’s lives over and over. When the war is almost over, but something happens to Cal’s dad, in an act to try to protect him, he is being sent across the land to meet up with the leader of the king’s men. In this journey, he meets many allies, and many enemies, and he learns that maybe somethings aren’t so black and white.
Cal is the level headed, raised with etiquette, and quite well rounded young man. He’s not bratty, or petty, or ugly, or even superior to others. He treats everyone with respect and equality. Mont is the country boy who is hot headed, but can tract and hunt, and is loyal to the death. Yin and Yang, but fit together like the perfect puzzle pieces. They get teamed up with Ellsben, who is a Centaur, who just wants to reunite himself with his wife and child, who were sold. He also has a fascinating story, and it definitely made me cry. He’s probably one of the best characters because he’s been through so much, and yet he finds a way to keep going with the hope of one day finding his family.
There are sad moments, happy moments, tear moments, angry moments, and most of all, hopeful moments. I enjoyed this story. And I loved the characters. Sometimes, people can surprise you with their actions, and sometimes, people give you what you see, which can be evil or good. I will also say that like a book, you shouldn’t judge the cover. There are always good and bad of everything. And this coming of age story is a wonderful journey of both! The writing had an interesting style. Easy flow. And enjoyable. My only complaint, dude where’s the chicks???!!! As a girl myself, there wasn’t any women. I mean, sure there were mentions of them, but not one was introduced in person as a character. We need a lovely lady centaur or damn even a bad one, or crazy one. Or just one. LOL Ok, with that said, I still liked the concept of the plot. AN ADVENTUROUS 5 PAWS!
So, Cal is the Prince, and when the war starts, his father, the king, sends him to hide out in a little village with is tutor. Here he meets Mont, who I loved! Coolest bestie ever. :) Mont’s dad left him to go fight in the war, for the southern side, as he, like so many, think of Centaurs as animals, with filth and degradation. And Mont gets the blame of the village for his dad’s actions. Needless to say, these two become the best of pals, enough to save each other’s lives over and over. When the war is almost over, but something happens to Cal’s dad, in an act to try to protect him, he is being sent across the land to meet up with the leader of the king’s men. In this journey, he meets many allies, and many enemies, and he learns that maybe somethings aren’t so black and white.
Cal is the level headed, raised with etiquette, and quite well rounded young man. He’s not bratty, or petty, or ugly, or even superior to others. He treats everyone with respect and equality. Mont is the country boy who is hot headed, but can tract and hunt, and is loyal to the death. Yin and Yang, but fit together like the perfect puzzle pieces. They get teamed up with Ellsben, who is a Centaur, who just wants to reunite himself with his wife and child, who were sold. He also has a fascinating story, and it definitely made me cry. He’s probably one of the best characters because he’s been through so much, and yet he finds a way to keep going with the hope of one day finding his family.
There are sad moments, happy moments, tear moments, angry moments, and most of all, hopeful moments. I enjoyed this story. And I loved the characters. Sometimes, people can surprise you with their actions, and sometimes, people give you what you see, which can be evil or good. I will also say that like a book, you shouldn’t judge the cover. There are always good and bad of everything. And this coming of age story is a wonderful journey of both! The writing had an interesting style. Easy flow. And enjoyable. My only complaint, dude where’s the chicks???!!! As a girl myself, there wasn’t any women. I mean, sure there were mentions of them, but not one was introduced in person as a character. We need a lovely lady centaur or damn even a bad one, or crazy one. Or just one. LOL Ok, with that said, I still liked the concept of the plot. AN ADVENTUROUS 5 PAWS!
February 9, 2014
This book has a really interesting premise, especially with the war over centaur slaves. However, basically everything went downhill from the idea. Haucke uses a heavy hand with similarities to the US Civil War; to the point where the king is assassinated by an actor with southern sympathies while attending a play. The southern states have left the rest of the kingdom because they want to keep their centaur slaves (condescendingly called "naggies"). I will go ahead and say that my opinions are probably colored by having just watched the movie 12 Years A Slave, which is an astounding and heartbreaking portrayal of slavery. In comparison, this novel felt cheap and far too simplistic. The former centaur slave's tale of escape is as cliche as it could be without any emotional power. I think I could have forgiven some of the flaws if the story actually made me feel something, but I had no emotional response to anything in the novel.
I also had a major problem with the characters; they were so flat. I got no depth from any of them, not even the intrepid prince Cal. Cal constantly had these"bad feelings" about things that served to warn him of whatever danger might be around. However, we received no explanation for his gut knowledge that kept being casually mentioned whenever something would go wrong. Not only that, but the secondary characters also lacked complexity. The madman at least managed to tell his story in a truly crazy way, but I'm not entirely sure how much of that was intended. For me to really enjoy a novel I have to form some sort of connection with one of the characters, but none of them were deep enough for me to do that. I also felt an almost complete lack of female characters. We met one woman in the course of the action and a few others in the course of major characters' flashbacks, but none of them were given their own subplots or even lasted more than a chapter. Where were the interesting females (because we could have had an awesome lady centaur)?
Overall I'd give this book a pass. Although the concept is really cool, the execution fails constantly. The plot itself isn't bad, but so much more could have been done.
ebook from publisher
I also had a major problem with the characters; they were so flat. I got no depth from any of them, not even the intrepid prince Cal. Cal constantly had these"bad feelings" about things that served to warn him of whatever danger might be around. However, we received no explanation for his gut knowledge that kept being casually mentioned whenever something would go wrong. Not only that, but the secondary characters also lacked complexity. The madman at least managed to tell his story in a truly crazy way, but I'm not entirely sure how much of that was intended. For me to really enjoy a novel I have to form some sort of connection with one of the characters, but none of them were deep enough for me to do that. I also felt an almost complete lack of female characters. We met one woman in the course of the action and a few others in the course of major characters' flashbacks, but none of them were given their own subplots or even lasted more than a chapter. Where were the interesting females (because we could have had an awesome lady centaur)?
Overall I'd give this book a pass. Although the concept is really cool, the execution fails constantly. The plot itself isn't bad, but so much more could have been done.
ebook from publisher
October 29, 2014
Reviewer for Paranormal Romance and Authors That Rock - 4 Fangs
Although this novel is for young adults, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Based on the premise of the north vs south Civil War, this happens in the kingdom of Enara with the northern provinces wanting to free the centaurs from slavery in the southern provinces. Discrimination is alive and well in Enara, with the south believing centaurs are not human, how could they possibly be, and the north believe that they are people too. 12 year old Prince Cal Lanshire has been sent away to a tiny village for his protection during the war. He has to hide his identity and not make friends. Of course, boys will be boys, and Cal meets Mont, a hot tempered country boy, who has the "street smarts" Cal lacks. They think their friendship is a secret and proceed to have boyhood adventures. When Cal's father, the King, is assassinated, shades of Abe Lincoln, Mont and Cal, along with Ellsben, a runaway centaur looking for his wife and child who were sold, start out on an adventure to get Cal to safety. General Grintar is the Supreme Commander of the Military who has amassed his troops in the western territories where General Macton has no authority over them. Grintar is the only one that can be trusted to keep Cal safe and out of the hands of General Macton, the Speaker of Parliament, who has stepped in as provisional head of the government. General Macton would have Cal killed, so that he can step up and be the ruler. By law, Cal cannot become King until he is 13 and must be protected and returned safely to Enara. The problem is the three have to travel through some of the southern provinces to get to General Grintar. A centaur travelling alone with two young boys is not going to be looked upon favourably. During their travels, they meet many interesting people with some amazing stories to tell. It is not always easy and danger lurks around every corner, literally. This novel was well-written and easy to read. The characters were great, even the fleeting ones. This is delightful story that will appeal to all ages. I must say that it made a wonderful departure from my usual choice of reading material. It was very entertaining.
February 27, 2014
(I received a free copy of this book from Smith Publicity, through NetGalley, in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I actually didn't think I was going to finish this book today, but I found it a lot faster and easier to read than I'd expected.
I really did like the book, but I'm still not sure of the relevance of the title. It only really seems relevant to one character/scene that's only talked about twice.
I have to say, I'm not so good with history, but I did see the similarities with the civil war and what was going on in this book. The author did a really good job of showing the political intrigue involved in the book, as well as people's opinions of centaurs.
It was interesting that the author showed there were both good and bad people on both sides of the conflict. I think that's something I don't often think about in wars - many times, there are good and bad people on both sides.
I did like the characters in this book, but Cal's bad feelings were a bit strange. There seemed to be no obvious reason for him suddenly getting a bad feeling... and then said bad feeling coming true.
I felt that the characters' actions were very realistic, too. They didn't have a bubble protecting them - they got hurt; some of them very badly. Cal also grew realistically as a character, evolving in a quite interesting way as the story went on.
I was able to picture quite a lot of the events that happened inside my mind. I have to say, though, that the flashbacks came across more as summaries. It was a little difficult to fully relate to their past history.
On the whole, though, I did enjoy this book. I would definitely be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I actually didn't think I was going to finish this book today, but I found it a lot faster and easier to read than I'd expected.
I really did like the book, but I'm still not sure of the relevance of the title. It only really seems relevant to one character/scene that's only talked about twice.
I have to say, I'm not so good with history, but I did see the similarities with the civil war and what was going on in this book. The author did a really good job of showing the political intrigue involved in the book, as well as people's opinions of centaurs.
It was interesting that the author showed there were both good and bad people on both sides of the conflict. I think that's something I don't often think about in wars - many times, there are good and bad people on both sides.
I did like the characters in this book, but Cal's bad feelings were a bit strange. There seemed to be no obvious reason for him suddenly getting a bad feeling... and then said bad feeling coming true.
I felt that the characters' actions were very realistic, too. They didn't have a bubble protecting them - they got hurt; some of them very badly. Cal also grew realistically as a character, evolving in a quite interesting way as the story went on.
I was able to picture quite a lot of the events that happened inside my mind. I have to say, though, that the flashbacks came across more as summaries. It was a little difficult to fully relate to their past history.
On the whole, though, I did enjoy this book. I would definitely be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
April 30, 2014
I received this book from Smith Publicity as an eARC, in return for an honest review. That I received the novel free, in no way colours my assessment of it.
In Shadows of Ghosts, the kingdom of Enara is locked in a bitter civil war between the Northerners who believe in the abolition of centaur slavery, and the South whose economy relies upon it. Cal Lanshire, although still a small, motherless boy, is heir to the throne. To protect him, he has been sent away, with only a tutor for company, to await the end of the war. He sees his father infrequently and has no siblings with whom to share his days and he has been forbidden from befriending any of the local children. However, when he meets Mont, the son of a Congressor (Southern supporters of slavery), persecuted for his father’s views, a friendship blossoms. This relationship will sustain them through a series of harrowing adventures as the war winds down and Cal tries to find his way safely home to regain his title from a usurper, following the death of his father, the King.
While the novel is clearly written as an allegory of the American Civil War, it is less derivatory than I had feared it might be. The author has made this tale into an accessible and page-turning adventure for middle-grade readers. The characters of Cal and Mont are well-rounded and each matures across their literary journey. Also likeable is Ellsben, the escaped centaur who has agreed to guide them to safety, despite the very real danger this choice poses to him.
The story picks up important questions about racism and prejudice, forgiveness and absolution and poses the questions of whether children should answer for the sins of their parents and who is really right in a war based on ideology?
All in all, a solid novel.
In Shadows of Ghosts, the kingdom of Enara is locked in a bitter civil war between the Northerners who believe in the abolition of centaur slavery, and the South whose economy relies upon it. Cal Lanshire, although still a small, motherless boy, is heir to the throne. To protect him, he has been sent away, with only a tutor for company, to await the end of the war. He sees his father infrequently and has no siblings with whom to share his days and he has been forbidden from befriending any of the local children. However, when he meets Mont, the son of a Congressor (Southern supporters of slavery), persecuted for his father’s views, a friendship blossoms. This relationship will sustain them through a series of harrowing adventures as the war winds down and Cal tries to find his way safely home to regain his title from a usurper, following the death of his father, the King.
While the novel is clearly written as an allegory of the American Civil War, it is less derivatory than I had feared it might be. The author has made this tale into an accessible and page-turning adventure for middle-grade readers. The characters of Cal and Mont are well-rounded and each matures across their literary journey. Also likeable is Ellsben, the escaped centaur who has agreed to guide them to safety, despite the very real danger this choice poses to him.
The story picks up important questions about racism and prejudice, forgiveness and absolution and poses the questions of whether children should answer for the sins of their parents and who is really right in a war based on ideology?
All in all, a solid novel.
September 9, 2016
I wanted to read this book because of the fantasy setting and its potential to explore slavery without prejudices playing a part. The book was easy to read but would be better for young adult or children than adult readers. This is due to some problems with relevancy of some of the information in this books details. That being said I really think that Shadows of Ghosts would be an excellent book to have school children read as a class. This would be a fun read for children around the age of 12 to take a look at the issue of slavery in a manner that would allow for a teacher to educate children without the children parroting back what has been heard since people just do not talk about centaurs being slaves. The book is easy to read and the parallels with our own civil war history would make for a great opportunity to after reading this book connect with our own history of slavery and the lessons learned in the Shadows of Ghosts. I look forward to having my own children read this book in the future. I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
July 14, 2016
When the story opens in Shadows of Ghosts, the southern provinces have recently seceded from the kingdom, due to their belief that centaurs aren’t quite human and should be kept as slaves. This has led to a civil way between the slave-holding, seceding south and the abolitionist north. In case you weren’t sure if this is referencing anything, the king of the northern provinces goes to the theater where he’s assassinated by a southern sympathizer, who is captured by being chased into a barn that’s then set on fire. The comparison is heavy-handed enough to make me uncomfortable when centaurs are called “naggies.”
Read the rest of my review.
Read the rest of my review.
March 13, 2014
This is one of the best centaur book I have every read.
To be honest the only book I have read is Harry Potter.
This book is a book about the civil war with a fantasy element.
Their is a character death although the character is not one of the main characters he does play a vital part in the story.
I feel sorry that these characters just can't seem to get a break.
This book is non stop action.
Kozal is bat shit crazy.
The characters in this book are very relateable.
I loved the scene with the snakes and that's saying something since I hate snakes
This is an entertaining read.
I highly recommend it.
To be honest the only book I have read is Harry Potter.
This book is a book about the civil war with a fantasy element.
Their is a character death although the character is not one of the main characters he does play a vital part in the story.
I feel sorry that these characters just can't seem to get a break.
This book is non stop action.
Kozal is bat shit crazy.
The characters in this book are very relateable.
I loved the scene with the snakes and that's saying something since I hate snakes
This is an entertaining read.
I highly recommend it.
March 16, 2014
Although the characters were interesting, I felt the book was way too much like the American Civil War, like I was reading about the Civil War but names were replaced. I would've liked to have seen more uniqueness. The author dedicated a lot of ink to this Kozal character, which I thought was odd because I would've thought the other characters deserved more in depth description. It seemed Kozal got more of a background story than Cal and his father and Mont. I wasn't impressed with the character.
Although it wasn't my kind of book, and despite the glaring similarities to the American Civil War, it wasn't a bad read. I would've liked to have seen more details to the centaurs' stories.
Although it wasn't my kind of book, and despite the glaring similarities to the American Civil War, it wasn't a bad read. I would've liked to have seen more details to the centaurs' stories.
January 30, 2015
I was conflicted about starting this book for a long time. I kept letting other reviews get in my head. I finally read it and I liked it.
**full review to come**
(I received this books as part of Goodreads First Reads program)
**full review to come**
(I received this books as part of Goodreads First Reads program)
March 28, 2014
Wonderful
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