Sword of Shadows

The Silver Web #2

by K.R. Gastreich

The forest witch Eolyn returns home after a bitter war. There, she begins the hard work of restoring women’s magic. Bound by love for each other and the craft, Eolyn’s small coven starts a fragile path to new power. Their harmony is short-lived.

From the far side of the Paramen Mountains, a malevolent empire unleashes the Naether Demons, ancient creatures driven by insatiable thirst for magic. When Naether Demons rage through Eolyn’s homeland, her coven is attacked. Only a handful of sisters in magic escape.

They cling to one hope: the magical sword, Kel’Barú. If Eolyn can deliver this weapon to the Mage King, they might have a chance against the Naether Demons. But Eolyn once spurned the Mage King’s love, and the path to his court is fraught with peril.

Undertaking a dangerous journey through occupied territory, Eolyn races to save her people. Can she find the Mage King – and conquer the demons of her own heart?

“Lush, evocative descriptions carry readers through an unforgettable journey.” –KIRKUS REVIEWS

“War propels the story forward, and the characters are at their best when circumstances are at their worst.” –PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Paranormal

358 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 31, 2014

About the author

K.R. Gastreich is an award-winning author of epic fantasy and paranormal fiction. Her stories feature smart heroines, forbidden magic, and dark mythology. Gastreich’s novels have been favorably reviewed by top editorial magazines such as Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, the Prairies Book Review, and Booktrib. Her short stories have appeared in Zahir, Adventures for the Average Woman, 69 Flavors of Paranoia, and World Jumping. Upcoming projects include the Ankala Oracle Deck, a divinatory deck based on the fictional World of Faelon from DGS Games.
An ecologist and nature lover, Karin has dedicated her professional life to environmental science education. After living and working abroad for many years, Karin now resides in the Kansas City area where she grew up. When not writing or doing biology, Karin enjoys hiking, reading, dancing, gaming, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

Reviews

[NickReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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"Lands Ravaged.
Dreams destroyed.
Demons set loose upon the earth. "

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☆☆☆☆4 FULLY STARS!☆☆☆☆

Before I start with the review I must say this book has one of the best covers ever.The colors match and the back totally rocks.I was drawn to this book by it's cover and trust me the the book is worthy of it.

This is a fantasy,a very darker than black one,and as a fan of the genre I am quite selective of my fantasy books.High Maga is a thrilling,filled with suspense and exciting moments novel.

There were some parts I didn't get,didn't fully understand,maybe because I haven't read "Eolyn" which is the first book in the trilogy or series "Eolyn Chronicles".However I can't say I didn't enjoy this,it was such a fun read.In fact a great one!

I was also fascinated with the world the author created.It is really to be admired.In one side it's so completed and in the other leaves things to imagine.So I had a perfectly visualized cool world in my head which was pretty awesome.I could see this being put in wide screen.It would be brilliant.

Beside the world what intrigued me to read this more were the characters.Like the background the characters were richly described and perfectly fit with the story.The main character Eolyn is such a cool badass heroine and different from what I am used to read.What I noticed in this book was the realness of the characters.They felt natural,because you could sense their scepticism in the decision making.All the characters,especially Eolyn and Akmael were trapped between intentions and feelings and you could see the doubt in their actions or thoughts.Other characters were cool and refreshing too.

The plot is also intriguing.The adventure of Eolyn was filled with thrilling,exciting scenes that left you wanting more and more.There were moments I thought the story couldn't get more complicated and moments I was cheering the small victories of the lead.

Also the romance in this book is more mature and really fun to read.It was a big deal but not like the reason of the story and for that I am truly thankful to the author.I am tired of great story novels turning to fluffy ones in the sequels.

I recommend this book to every readers out there,especially if you are a fan of fantasy.You are not going to regret reading this.I can guarantee you that!

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"High Maga" which I won through Goodreads Giveaways explodes with high-adventure, romance and intrigue in an intoxicating fantasy. The story opens with the ascension of Tamara- Rishona as the San'iloman of the Syrnte Empire and her release of the Naether Demons from the Underworld. In a coordinated attack the San'iloman and her army under General Prince Mechnes destroys Moehn, killing and capturing Eolyn's coven of fledgling magas and teachers while she's away. The adventure takes flight when Eolyn escapes the Syrnte around Moehn to join King Akmael in Moisehén and not only help prepare for war, but deliver a weapon that could secure his victory.

With creative imagination Karin R. Gastreich has invented a world where men and women's magic is separate. Women's magic thought lost has been resurrected by Eolyn and thrives under her young apprentices in the Aekelahr in Moehn. But a threat looms that could destroy all that Eolyn has built, the land and people she loves, as well as the man she's given her heart to. This well-written plot which pulsates with political intrigue, emotional and physical conflict is intoxicating from the first page to the last. Threads of the story not only explore Eolyn's struggle to join the High King, their battle to stop the Syrnte army , but also her friend Adiana's fight to survive the abuse and torture of an enemy intent on taking the throne of Moisehén. The story is emotionally-charged, the action never stopping as Eolyn not only faces the viciousness of an evil adversary on the field of battle, but also the machinations of those at court. The mood is dark and foreboding, only lightened occasionally by the witty banter and humorous interaction between Eolyn and Mage Corey.

Even the romance in this tale is gripping and intense because King Akmael is bound by political ties to Roenfyn. With his marriage to Queen Taesara King Akmael cannot openly indulge his long standing feelings for Eolyn, hiding their mounting passion within the walls of his bedroom. With stark honesty the author deals with the romance between the two as she does the ugliness of the war; with sensitivity and skill as the High King fights his indifference and anger at the thoughtless actions of Queen Taesara of Roenfyn while his passion and love for Eolyn ignites.

Like the plot the characters are well-developed, realistic and complex with all their strengths and flaws, as each struggles to survive in a brutal war where demons are set loose. Maga Eolyn quilt-ridden by the death of her brother is the heart of women's magic in Moisehén. A woman of strength, tenacity and often impulsive, is gritty and brave which will help her win victory over her enemies. Mage King Akmael of the House of Vortingen is a man of integrity who's serious, kind and determined. Only with the woman he loves and the weapon Kel´Baru at his side can the Mage High King triumph over the evil that invades his land. Mage Corey who seems to be secretive, untrustworthy, self-interested and arrogant, is steadfast and loyal to Maga Eolyn. Adriana, Eolyn's friend whose magic is music is cynical about men, witty and self-assured, brave and selfless. Of the antagonists in the story Tamara-Rishona, the San'iloman is a heartlessly cruel murderer and Prince Mechnes a depraved, and brutal General. With skilful dexterity Karin R. Gastreich has created personalities that bring power, passion and drama to a riveting tale of vengeance, conquest and romance.

I thoroughly enjoyed "High Maga" and rate it highly among fantasy novels. It's one of those tales you don't want to end, but can't wait to see what happens to King Akmael and Maga Eolyn in the third instalment.

[Terri-Lynne DeFino · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books that leave you uplifted in the end, and there are books that leave you wanting more. There are some that make you hoot with triumph, and some that make you weep. High Maga left me raw. There was triumph and tragedy, there was joy and sorrow, but the overwhelming feeling of raw emotion by the time I reached the end of High Maga is the kind that has me thinking about it over and over. I got to read High Maga pre-publication, quite a while ago, and that sensation hits me each time I think about it, even now.
All the adventure and magic of Eolyn, kicked up a notch. There is more depth to the writing, to the story, to the characters. Don't miss this one. If you loved Eolyn, you are going to be knocked out by High Maga.

[DelSheree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eolyn barely survived her quest to restore women's magic to the land of Moisehén, and nearly watched the man she loved die in the process in "Eolyn." Her journey is far from over, however, and now in "High Maga" she is once again faced with incredible danger and the possibility of losing everything she loves.

Fantasy is one of my great loves in reading. I grew up reading many of the fantasy greats, and because of that I'm extremely picky about fantasy and it takes quite a bit to get me to try out a new fantasy author. "Eolyn" was one of those rare books that completely blew me away. I was lucky enough to have a chance to read a copy of High Maga before it was released, and I was once again pulled into a story that was so completely captivating I couldn't put it down.

The world of Moisehén was expertly crafted in the first book in the book, and it lives up to it's legend in High Maga. Gastreich has a knack for description and world building. Every detail makes the world richer and I never once found myself skimming to get back to the main story when she described the scenes. The world itself is almost a character in it's own right because of it's richness. It affects the characters, their plans, and the outcomes of their journeys. It's a world I have come to love.

The beautifully crafted characters also live up to their appearances in the first book. Eolyn is a very complex character. She has worked so hard and fought for everything she has. She doesn't want to give any of that up, yet her heart yearns for the one man she truly loves, and having him may mean losing a part of herself. Her struggle to balance her desires with her goals creates such depth in her character that readers will easily come to care about her. Akmael is also a strong character. He is determined and wants Eolyn, but he also has a kingdom to run and responsibilities to his people. Balancing all the different aspects of his life are not easy. At times he comes off as cold as he deals with his duties to his kingdom, but then he turns around and shows amazing tenderness to Eolyn. I loved experiencing the lives of both characters and watching them change throughout the story. The story of their love and all the difficulties they face is absolutely breathtaking. Its depth and emotion make it difficult to pull yourself away from.

The side characters, which it's really hard to call them that, are a strong addition to the story as well. Mage Corey was one of my favorites from the first book, but he becomes so much more in this one. It's difficult to know what is really going on inside his head at times, and it's as difficult for the reader to know whether or not to trust him as it is for Eolyn at times. Another set of characters that took on a whole new life were the villains of this book. Rishona and Tahmir were friends in the first book who betray Eolyn, and here they pick up their plotting and spur a war between their two countries. Watching them now turn against her was heartbreaking, not only because I cared about these two in the first book, but because of how much it hurt Eolyn. The connections Gastreich builds between reader and character truly bring this story to life.

It's hard to say too much more about this book without giving away details of the plot, but suffice it to say that it was an all-around beautifully written story. It's one I will read again, and one I recommend to all my friends whether they're fantasy readers or not.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do enjoy this series. The writing is vivid and the characters engaging. Eolyn herself is a brave, powerful, and sympathetic heroine, and youngsters Ghemena and Mariel appear to be following in her footsteps. This sequel does better than its predecessor by casting Eolyn in the role of savior rather than saved; I was disappointed when, after so much build-up of her power, she needed to be rescued by others at the end of the last volume, and that problem, at least, has been solved.

Yet oddly enough, despite Eolyn's upgrade to rescuer, this book actually feels less feminist-friendly than its predecessor. Whereas Eolyn focused on a young woman's efforts to claim a magic rightfully hers and to open doors for other women with the same ability, this volume focuses on the need to secure a deeply entrenched patriarchy against the threat of a bloodthirsty uppity villainess. The good man, the King we're meant to root for, declares that no woman can hold his country's throne; the evil woman, the invader we're meant to hate (and do), declares that she can claim what she pleases. After rooting for Eolyn, and women in general, to reclaim their right to magical power in the last volume, are we really supposed to sympathize with the exclusion of women from political power in this volume? This book joins the ranks of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, Insitar Khanani's Thorn and Jim Butcher's Codex Alera series, in which the story's most feminist character is also its most evil.

Also problematic is that this book introduces one of the least feminist-friendly tropes in the fantasy genre: the lust for a male heir. Again, we're meant to sympathize. The "good guys" are the defenders of the patriarchy, protecting the throne against the incursion of female power. Eolyn becomes the mother of the longed-for Super-Special SON, the child whose Y chromosome makes him worthy of the throne. King Akhmael's daughter? Nothing but an ice-cold plate of chopped liver, loved and valued by no one. Are we supposed to be okay with this? Are we meant to sympathize with a "hero" who has no love whatsoever for his little girl? Granted, she's the child of a horrible mother. So, are we meant to expect that she, too, will grow up to be horrible, unworthy of her father's love as well as any political power? Because Eolyn, the beloved Queen, has the desired and loved SON, we can assume, I suppose, that the patriarchy will remain safely unchallenged (by hero or heroine, at least) in the next book. Eolyn's son is the heir, so while women may continue to practice magic, political authority will remain safely in the hands of men -- simply BECAUSE THEY ARE MEN. I just can't see that as a triumph.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautifully written, but way too much violence and rape. This takes the series to a whole new level compared to the first book, which I enjoyed more. After reading the first book, what I expected was magic, friendship, love, and maybe a bit more war, depending on the way things went. What I got was too much innocent death, a betrayal by a character that was seemingly normal in the last book, and constant graphic scenes of rape (*Note: I warn you not to read this book if that is a trigger for you). I felt like there was barely any magic, and there was also not enough explanation of these nether demons. I felt like they should be a real threat, but it kind of got played off in 3 very short battles and were never talked about again.

Also if there's one character I should sympathize with, it should be Taesara. But she literally sucks. Bad things constantly happen to her and I just don't feel bad for her, even though she is the only character with any moral values. I know she'll be a big part of the next book, so I can't wait to see what the author does with her, but knowing me I'll still be routing for Eolyn.

[June Schneider · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again, I read this book (series) during the summer, so I may be a little hazy on the details, however, I know how I ‘felt’ in the end.
Okay, so how much can happen to a couple of women in their lives? Yikes!
The story begins with the King visiting the forest and Eolyn’s Aekelahr, and the whole situation with the Queen…ahh!…heartbreaking, all of it. Eolyn and her sacrifice for the better of the whole.
I was nervous to move forward into this second book as several reviews mention rape and violence…not my cup of tea. However, even though the violence was brutal when the evil needed to be fed, and the war intense, I don’t recall that it didn’t fit the story. Yes, it caused me to flinch a couple times and think…‘really?’ (especially with the demon stuff)…and yes, there is a situation where rape was implied. But I don’t believe it was too visual to the detriment of the story.
Betrayal with a capital B in this series…Rishona and her cruel uncle Mechnes (see, how do you say that name?), and that truly twisted relationship. Mage Cory, and where his story changed and led, and his relationship with Eolyn. All in all it was a decent follow up to the first book…not as magical, in the broader sense of the word, but still got me hooked into moving onto book three.

[Angela Obernberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am 3/4 through with the Sword of Shadows. I started yesterday morning and will finish it tonight. I love it!!! It is so very enthralling! It had me anticipating from the first chapter and even had tears over the love between the Mage king and Maga Eolise. The treachery and greed of the wannabe conquerors was gripping. I do know I will have to read Book #1 of The Silver Web.

[Micky Bedell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one doesn't pull punches. Don't get too attached to anyone or anything.

There's something unsettling about how the women (even the strongest among them) seem to bow their heads to the men. The main romance just doesn't feel believable to me.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to say that while I liked this novel, I would probably have liked it better had I known it was the second in a series. Usually when they're unmarked it's book one and while this is stand alone, it isn't at the same time. This seems to be five years after the first book, Eolyn and it depends heavily on that novel. What I perceived as a lack of character development is more likely an artifact based on the fact I should have already known these characters. Had I known this was the second book, I wouldn't have put my name in to try and win it without reading book one. And I did win this in exchange for an honest review.

Eolyn, the titular character, reluctantly chose restoring the maga, the female line of magic users which I'm assuming was all but wiped out in the first book, over the love of the mage King Akmael. She and her companions, the older maga, Renata, and the musician Adiana, are busy training a group of young girls and preparing for the visit of the King and his queen, a magic-hating woman who has failed to bear him a son. (They do have a daughter). It doesn't take long for Akmael and Eolyn to fall into bed and for her to refuse to take the concoction that would insure she doesn't get pregnant (You see where this is going). In the meantime, Rishona, a princess, surprises everyone but her uncle Meches by killing her brother and claiming the throne. Next on her list of people to conquer, Akmael.

Akmael's visit is cut short when the queen turns out pregnant with a son (how they know this, I have no idea. Wishful thinking? Magic?). He still wants Eolyn to come with him but again she refuses and he leaves a knight, Borten with her to train her with her brother's magical sword. (Apparently her brother nearly killed Akmael in a previous story and sentenced Eolyn to the demon realm but Akmael saved her).

Rishona's people strike while Eolyn, Borten and one of the girls are out in the forest. EOlyn's school is destroyed and her friends and the girls are taken by Meches who takes a special liking to Aidana. One of the girls escapes to warn Akmael. As Eolyn and Borten try to make it back to Akmael, two things happen, they start to fall for one another only to be interrupted by Mage Corey who has a complicated and rather unpleasant history with Eolyn.

Eventually Eolyn makes it to the capitol only to find out things have not gone well with the queen's pregnancy for which she blames Eolyn and the maga. Borten is so instantly forgotten I'm not even sure why that triangle subplot was even brought up. Akmael charges her with the task of opening the wards on a magical storehouse to help find something to stop the demons Rishona is calling up and forbids her to follow him. Only to ask for her to come to the final battle.

I did like the story. I like Eolyn. I did think, however, it had a few too many subplots that were left dangling or fixed up in a hurry, especially the one with the queen which is where I thought the whole Borten thing was going because the queen's people were trying to make Eolyn out to be a common whore and not the person anyone wanted to bear the king's son. I think if I had read book one, this would have been a more fully realized story for me.

One caveat, there is human sacrifice on the page and dub-con on the page (and suggestions of rape elsewhere). In fact, the sexual subjugation of Adiana goes on and on even though most of it is not on page but rather referred to. While this definitely fits what would happen to a beautiful war prize, it doesn't really advance the story that much. In fact we get so many Meches/Adiana chapters it's distracting especially compared to the Eolyn/Akmael ones which are almost all about them realizing they might not be able to be together and having sex anyhow (not graphic, mind you), so much so that they even make a joke about it. I highly suggest reading the first one before this one (and to the author/publisher, you might want to put numbers on these books. The readers will thank you.)

[Leah (White Sky Project) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling fantasy with a great story and fascinating, complex characters

I really enjoyed The Sword of Shadows. This book is compelling, has a great plot and amazing world building, and really fascinating and complex characters. I like that there's always something interesting going on in each chapter. I haven’t read the first book but it wasn’t too much of a disadvantage because I could glean some of what happened in the first book from the scenes and dialogue. This book is also on the darker side of fantasy and deals with adult themes, violence and death, so it’s definitely not for the kiddies or for those who prefer not to have any of that in their fantasy reads.

The characters are interesting. Most, if not all, the characters have some sort of greatness within them and have their own flaws as well. Even the antagonists are engaging. I love that this trilogy has intriguing women playing significant roles on both sides of the story.

The world building is also pretty cool. Karin Rita Gastreich is an amazing writer and I admire her imagination and her talent for creating a fascinating world with different histories and cultures. I would have loved to know more about the magic system in this world, but that’s just me.

Overall, this book is worth reading. If you’re a fan of dark and epic fantasies, you’ll probably enjoy it like I did.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Apex Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because every heart must have a thread of steel
Because the roots of power are found in love”

Charged with themes of passion, treachery, and unshakable fear, Sword of Shadows propels us again into the kingdom of Moisehén, and into the heart of our heroine, Eolyn. Author Karin Gastreich hones the technique of her first installment into a masterful work of prose, providing us with a truly breathtaking world and unforgettable characters.

Eolyn and Adiana thrive in their small community of emerging young magas, teaching and practicing magic in an effort to revive the women’s tradition. But when disaster strikes and the kingdom is plunged yet again into war, Eolyn and her charges are separated. With danger lurking around every corner, time running out, and deeply sinister forces at play, Eolyn must hurry to combine forces with King Akmael to save their kingdom. Adiana must find the courage within herself to remain strong in the face of hopelessness. Both, in the end, must make the ultimate sacrifice.

With loyalties questioned and allies discovered in the most unexpected places, the distinctions between good and evil are never as clear as they seem. Gastreich’s world is filled with imperfect heroes and charming villains, all forced to navigate a world in which the rules of wartime have changed the game.

And as war rages and terror abounds, one question is raised time and time again: how much pain can the bonds of love withstand?


Megan Mauro
Apex Reviews

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eolyn, the first book in the series, was very special. I was almost afraid to read High Maga for fear it would disappoint. It does not. Eolyn continues to be a strong yet vulnerable character, and new characters, like Ghemena shine. Ghemena is a determined, spunky girl who is training with Eolyn.

High Maga is darker and edgier than Eolyn, which was beautiful in its fairy tale-like telling. High Maga brings a different sort of threat to Akmael's kingdom, and definitely sets up Daughter of Aithne, the last in the trilogy. I enjoyed High Maga very much and am eagerly waiting for Daughter of Aithne!

[Nicole Mathias · Rating 5 out of 5]

thank you i cant wait to read this and pass it on to my younger siblings.i will update my review once read

i already love the rich cover designs and the overall texture of the book, that combination alone would make me buy this book without even needing to open it first. ready to dive in! i will be able to finally read this book over the holidays. fingers crossed that before new years i will have finished this wonderful book. i will also be passing it on to my family for them to read and hopefully enjoy too

[Carlyle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword of Shadows exceeds the promise of Gastreich’s excellent epic fantasy debut, Eolyn. Gastreich writes for audiences who crave character-driven fantasy that stirs deep emotions and first-rate battle scenes. The animalist-elemental magic system in Gastreich world of Moisehén suits the tone and style of the novel perfectly and allows for Gastreich to use her considerable descriptive talent to make magic beautiful and mysterious. Sword of Shadows is a page-turner with protagonists you can root for, rousing action sequences, and a climax that will keep you reading well past your bedtime.

[Terry (Ter05 TwiMoms/ MundieMoms)]

I am not going to rate this book because I could not get past page 60 and thus it would not be fair, but I marked it read since I tried. I read Eolyn and it was good but not great. This one had two horrible human sacrifices by the 60th page, one of a trusting "favorite" pregnant servant who was then fed to a demon after she had almost bled to death. (No, Eolyn did not do this) Just not my thing.