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The Storm Trilogy #2
Shadows of a Storm
A dark plot to kidnap a Valian noblewoman has been thwarted, her life spared by those who would seek to fight against the rising tide of violence that threatens to shatter the stability and peace of the Four Vales. Saved by those with agendas of their own, Cassana, daughter of the Lord of the North Vales seeks the sanctuary of her home. Danger chases after her ever faltering step, the shadows filled by those who will not allow her to escape a second time. With dark storm clouds gathering over the capital city Karick and the shadowy menace of betrayal lurking in its marble halls, one man has the knowledge that could stop those seeking change, before it is too late. Pursued by those that would silence him the stonemason Khadazin flees southwards, seeking the protection of a monastery, a place where he believes he will be safe, where he can recoup and plan his revenge. With increased Reven attacks and brittle unrest in the capital, sides will have to be chosen and stances made. Who will rise to stand against those wreaking havoc, who will seek the storm and embrace the chaos starting to take hold? A gritty tale of political betrayal, Book Two of the Storm Trilogy picks up where Whispers of a Storm left off, plunging the reader, once again, deep into the midst of the action, the danger and the adventure.
- GenresFantasy
600 pages, Paperback
First published April 24, 2014
219 people want to read
About the author
Anthony Lavisher
6 books58 followersSince reading The Lord of the Rings at an early age, and later, the works of his favourite author, David Gemmell, Anthony has been inspired to write his own stories.
When he is not forging tales and filling blank pages, Anthony spends his time working in his local bookshop, reading, board gaming and enjoying adventures of his own.
Anthony lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife Amy and Mertle the cat. The author of 'The Storm Trilogy' a thrilling medieval fantasy trilogy, and the modern thriller, 'The Last Tiger', he is currently working on his fifth novel, 'Rise of Eagles.'
When he is not forging tales and filling blank pages, Anthony spends his time working in his local bookshop, reading, board gaming and enjoying adventures of his own.
Anthony lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife Amy and Mertle the cat. The author of 'The Storm Trilogy' a thrilling medieval fantasy trilogy, and the modern thriller, 'The Last Tiger', he is currently working on his fifth novel, 'Rise of Eagles.'
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 6, 2017
The sequel to one of my favourite reads of 2016 has proven my favourite read of 2017, so far!
The second instalment to the Whispers of a Storm trilogy has as much mayhem, action and intrigue; as many endearing and captivating characters; and as many jaw-dropping cliffhangers and breath-taking moments of suspense as the first book.
Set against the backdrop of the mystical Four Vales, this continues the journey of the characters - both good and bad, both old and new - who are vying for their freedom. Cassana is fleeing towards home after the failed attempt on her life. Khadazin is escaping to the sanctuary of the monk's retreat along with the motley crew of wanderers he has picked up along his journey. Their tales are intertwined, but will their paths also cross?
With a focus on court politics and the manoeuvring of those in power, there was an intensity to this book that made this utterly compelling reading. The world fabricated in the first book was expanded here, which allowed for an exploration into the wider implications of the growing upheaval and unrest witnessed throughout the lands.
And as the geography of the world was further unfurled, so were the nuances of the characters. The fast-paced plot was interspersed with sections that allowed for the characters to develop and for relationships to advance, both within the plot and between reader and character.
A faultless piece of prose that depicts an enticing and absorbing tale featuring a charming selection of characters and set in a prodigious world. This has undoubtedly become my new favourite fantasy series.
The second instalment to the Whispers of a Storm trilogy has as much mayhem, action and intrigue; as many endearing and captivating characters; and as many jaw-dropping cliffhangers and breath-taking moments of suspense as the first book.
Set against the backdrop of the mystical Four Vales, this continues the journey of the characters - both good and bad, both old and new - who are vying for their freedom. Cassana is fleeing towards home after the failed attempt on her life. Khadazin is escaping to the sanctuary of the monk's retreat along with the motley crew of wanderers he has picked up along his journey. Their tales are intertwined, but will their paths also cross?
With a focus on court politics and the manoeuvring of those in power, there was an intensity to this book that made this utterly compelling reading. The world fabricated in the first book was expanded here, which allowed for an exploration into the wider implications of the growing upheaval and unrest witnessed throughout the lands.
And as the geography of the world was further unfurled, so were the nuances of the characters. The fast-paced plot was interspersed with sections that allowed for the characters to develop and for relationships to advance, both within the plot and between reader and character.
A faultless piece of prose that depicts an enticing and absorbing tale featuring a charming selection of characters and set in a prodigious world. This has undoubtedly become my new favourite fantasy series.
May 30, 2016
If you've read the first volume (Whispers of a Storm), you really should read this sequel. It's as beautifully written as the first volume.
It drew me in straight away, and I can't wait for the next instalment.
The characters are deep, and I really felt with them. It is fast-paced, and there was no passage where I thought it was slow or even dull. On the contrary! It takes you on a journey through the four vales; you accompany old friends and foes, and you get to learn new ones. Everything is very colourful, and the storm builds up and up....
Nobody is just black or white; even the master villain seems to have some secret which may well have made him the man he is now.
There are lots of twists and turns, and I can't wait to see the whole picture, to learn how it all comes together in the end.
Usually, I'm not fond of being left on tenterhooks, but this book is so beautifully written and has such great characters and such a marvellous plot that I forgive the author, as it means I have the third volume to look forward to.
It drew me in straight away, and I can't wait for the next instalment.
The characters are deep, and I really felt with them. It is fast-paced, and there was no passage where I thought it was slow or even dull. On the contrary! It takes you on a journey through the four vales; you accompany old friends and foes, and you get to learn new ones. Everything is very colourful, and the storm builds up and up....
Nobody is just black or white; even the master villain seems to have some secret which may well have made him the man he is now.
There are lots of twists and turns, and I can't wait to see the whole picture, to learn how it all comes together in the end.
Usually, I'm not fond of being left on tenterhooks, but this book is so beautifully written and has such great characters and such a marvellous plot that I forgive the author, as it means I have the third volume to look forward to.
August 19, 2014
Eek! I can't believe I have to wait for the next part again!
Anthony Lavisher has written another fantastic book to follow the growing storm in the Four Vales.
I wasn't certain about the cliff hanger ending to the first book the first time I read it but I actually preferred reading a book which started by tying up certain plot lines. It provides a good contrast when things begin to escalate. I loved the cliff hanger in the last chapter of this book.
The quality of writing is still there through the book, you can still picture most of the scenes though after two books I think Anthony Lavisher must like the outdoors as I think those scenes are stronger. :)
Unfortunately a few errors have slipped through the net but still less than many other ebooks I've read. I also felt a few parts that didn't flow as well as the rest of it, the one that stood out the most for me was the first council meeting.
I am going to be egging Squirrel on for months now!
Anthony Lavisher has written another fantastic book to follow the growing storm in the Four Vales.
I wasn't certain about the cliff hanger ending to the first book the first time I read it but I actually preferred reading a book which started by tying up certain plot lines. It provides a good contrast when things begin to escalate. I loved the cliff hanger in the last chapter of this book.
The quality of writing is still there through the book, you can still picture most of the scenes though after two books I think Anthony Lavisher must like the outdoors as I think those scenes are stronger. :)
Unfortunately a few errors have slipped through the net but still less than many other ebooks I've read. I also felt a few parts that didn't flow as well as the rest of it, the one that stood out the most for me was the first council meeting.
I am going to be egging Squirrel on for months now!
April 1, 2021
I'm going straight to #3!
I'm really enjoying this trilogy, I'm still hooked
I have noticed some errors for plurals and possessive, especially when it's both!! s, 's and s'.
Blonde (female) and blond(male) are also mixed up occasionally.
I'm really enjoying this trilogy, I'm still hooked
I have noticed some errors for plurals and possessive, especially when it's both!! s, 's and s'.
Blonde (female) and blond(male) are also mixed up occasionally.
July 6, 2016
Following on from the excellent 'Whispers of a Storm', Anthony Lavisher has crafted a thoroughly intriguing and engaging sequel. Whereas its prequel focussed largely on two main characters who become entangled in the political machinations of the Four Vales, 'Shadows of a Storm' confidently expands its scope to explore the wider implications of the growing unrest throughout the Kingdom.
Previously met characters return, while new ones are introduced throughout, without overwhelming the reader. In particular, Elion Leigh, a truly honourable man living through dishonourable times, is an excellent addition. As with the first book, all characters feel well-rounded and fully fleshed out, no-one is introduced without reason or to simply move forward a plot point.
Indeed, perhaps the most impressive thing about this book is the organic feeling of it. The plot develops and grows, unfurling in a measured, natural way without feeling at all forced. That said, this is a truly gripping book with a number of memorable chapters and 'scenes' - a particular highlight of mine is the opening chapter which was incredibly cinematic in its description. Can't wait for the final part!
Previously met characters return, while new ones are introduced throughout, without overwhelming the reader. In particular, Elion Leigh, a truly honourable man living through dishonourable times, is an excellent addition. As with the first book, all characters feel well-rounded and fully fleshed out, no-one is introduced without reason or to simply move forward a plot point.
Indeed, perhaps the most impressive thing about this book is the organic feeling of it. The plot develops and grows, unfurling in a measured, natural way without feeling at all forced. That said, this is a truly gripping book with a number of memorable chapters and 'scenes' - a particular highlight of mine is the opening chapter which was incredibly cinematic in its description. Can't wait for the final part!
July 9, 2014
This book was brilliant, I loved the "dark" (using the word that is on the back cover in 2 ways) plots and political intrigue - seeing as I love politics, nothing strange!!
At times it was a bit laboured, hence, lowering from 5* to 4*, but I would have given 4.5* if I could.
I would thoroughly recommend this to anybody who likes fantasy novels.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the benefit of having read the 1st novel - Whispers of a Storm - beforehand, but I have placed an order for it.
I must say thank you to both goodreads and Anthony for the free book I received. I hope people will love the book as much I did.
Spencer
At times it was a bit laboured, hence, lowering from 5* to 4*, but I would have given 4.5* if I could.
I would thoroughly recommend this to anybody who likes fantasy novels.
Unfortunately, I didn't have the benefit of having read the 1st novel - Whispers of a Storm - beforehand, but I have placed an order for it.
I must say thank you to both goodreads and Anthony for the free book I received. I hope people will love the book as much I did.
Spencer
July 14, 2023
After the first volume ending on a cliffhanger, I was looking forward to catching up with the same characters and Anthony Lavisher introduces even more interesting characters as the story goes on. I loved following them around the Vale, witnessing the plot getting darker and thicker.
May 13, 2024
Not much better than the first book! The female protagonist's character needs to grow up and stop sobbing left and right. The other things that bothered me were a few contradictory points in the book. Overall it really is a light hearted book and I cannot take it as a robust fantasy read.
February 13, 2018
Better pacing than book 1. Still, a light story with a number of contradictions.
March 14, 2017
This is my second read of this book as I first read the novel in 2014 and wanted to catch up on events in the Four Vales before embarking on the final book of the trilogy. I am not a person to read a book more than once but I am so pleased that I have done so as it reminded me just what a great author Anthony Lavisher is. The following review is what I originally posted to Amazon back in 2014 - Shadows of a Storm is the second book of the Storm trilogy and the author takes us back to the Four Vales for more political intrigue and adventure. As with the first book Anthony Lavisher keeps the story moving at a good pace and takes the reader into the various cities and lives of the occupants of this fantasy land that you really feel as if you are there. Two of the main characters from the first book take a bit of a back seat in this book (one of them literally) but the new characters which are introduced are well brought into the story and as a reader you soon become attached to them. Previous heroes and villains are also prominent in the story and the tale is well set up for the final part of the trilogy with a real cliff hanger.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews