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Chronicles of the Shadow War #2
Shadow Dawn
From George Lucas, creator of Star Wars(r) and Indiana Jones, and Chris Claremont, author of the bestselling X-Men adventures, comes the thrilling sequel to Shadow Moon, taking readers deeper into a stunningly original world of magic, myth, and legend.
The momentous Ascension of Princess Elora Danan should have brought peace to the Thirteen Realms. Instead, an intense Shadow War rages, spearheaded by the evil Mohdri. He has dispatched his dread Black Rose commando assassins to capture Elora and her sworn protector, Thorn Drumheller. But Mohdri himself is just a facade for a more dangerous the Deceiver. But who--or what--is the Deceiver? And how can Elora, Thorn, and their ragtag band defeat this unspeakable force? The answer lies in a perilous journey to a land undisturbed since the dawn of time. A journey that will end at the unbreachable citadel of the dragon, where a chilling betrayal will change the fate of Elora, Thorn, and the Thirteen Realms forever.
The momentous Ascension of Princess Elora Danan should have brought peace to the Thirteen Realms. Instead, an intense Shadow War rages, spearheaded by the evil Mohdri. He has dispatched his dread Black Rose commando assassins to capture Elora and her sworn protector, Thorn Drumheller. But Mohdri himself is just a facade for a more dangerous the Deceiver. But who--or what--is the Deceiver? And how can Elora, Thorn, and their ragtag band defeat this unspeakable force? The answer lies in a perilous journey to a land undisturbed since the dawn of time. A journey that will end at the unbreachable citadel of the dragon, where a chilling betrayal will change the fate of Elora, Thorn, and the Thirteen Realms forever.
528 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
19 people are currently reading
1212 people want to read
About the author
Chris Claremont
3,270 books881 followersChris Claremont is a writer of American comic books, best known for his 16-year (1975-1991) stint on Uncanny X-Men, during which the series became one of the comic book industry's most successful properties.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
Claremont has written many stories for other publishers including the Star Trek Debt of Honor graphic novel, his creator-owned Sovereign Seven for DC Comics and Aliens vs Predator for Dark Horse Comics. He also wrote a few issues of the series WildC.A.T.s (volume 1, issues #10-13) at Image Comics, which introduced his creator-owned character, Huntsman.
Outside of comics, Claremont co-wrote the Chronicles of the Shadow War trilogy, Shadow Moon (1995), Shadow Dawn (1996), and Shadow Star (1999), with George Lucas. This trilogy continues the story of Elora Danan from the movie Willow. In the 1980s, he also wrote a science fiction trilogy about female starship pilot Nicole Shea, consisting of First Flight (1987), Grounded! (1991), and Sundowner (1994). Claremont was also a contributor to the Wild Cards anthology series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
January 5, 2023
The cataclysm changed the world too much. I don't recognize it. I miss Willow, Madmartigan and Sorsha. I did like the fire simulacrum and the pouches of holding. Silver skin was strange. I didn't realize how deadly brownies were due to poison. Morphing into a dragon is new. Apparently dragons are the soul of the world.
January 20, 2010
For me, this is the best of the series.
Sure, the first one gets the fun of defining the world and the plot for the reader, and the third gets the big finish.
But this one is the story of Elora Danan growing up. The central plot is a fairly standard mythic arhetype, but it provides a perfect hook to permit Elora to move from spoiled brat to perhaps understanding how she can be the prophesied Saviour of the Realms, and it does it in a most unexpected way. Dougay is a fine creation, and although there are times when he gets annoying, this is actually in keeping with who he is (in the same way that Rool and Franjean work well.)
Again, the descriptive work is excellent, the expansion of the world continues (Sandeni is very well realised) and the narrative flow fits together cleverly so that the reader can stay just far enough ahead of the characters whilst still being properly surprised. And the big revelation at the end is a genuine shocker, whilst still making perfect sense out of everything we have learned.
In passing, let me note that this book comes with a little Venn diagram at the front, showing the Twelve Realms and how they interact and relate to one another. Now I have to say that I wonder if there was a change between the first volume and these last two, in order to make the big finish actually work. Given that one of the threads is that all the Realms should have been present at Elora's Ascension, it's abundantly clear that although one is significantly absent, there are two others that are only present by implication (death, in the form of the death of a significant presence, and despair in the sense that the Ascension was flawed.) It is strongly implied that there should have been physical manifestations of all the Realms, but that would be tricky for those two. And, of course, the whole issue of Chaos/Demons is skipped over entirely - are they a Realm, or are they outside the Realms? I'm still not entirely sure...
Anyway, that's beside the point. This is the highpoint of the series for me, because it gets to have fun - it doesn't have to resolve anything, the characters grow and evolve and the plot can take a bit of a backseat whilst still being important.
Sure, the first one gets the fun of defining the world and the plot for the reader, and the third gets the big finish.
But this one is the story of Elora Danan growing up. The central plot is a fairly standard mythic arhetype, but it provides a perfect hook to permit Elora to move from spoiled brat to perhaps understanding how she can be the prophesied Saviour of the Realms, and it does it in a most unexpected way. Dougay is a fine creation, and although there are times when he gets annoying, this is actually in keeping with who he is (in the same way that Rool and Franjean work well.)
Again, the descriptive work is excellent, the expansion of the world continues (Sandeni is very well realised) and the narrative flow fits together cleverly so that the reader can stay just far enough ahead of the characters whilst still being properly surprised. And the big revelation at the end is a genuine shocker, whilst still making perfect sense out of everything we have learned.
In passing, let me note that this book comes with a little Venn diagram at the front, showing the Twelve Realms and how they interact and relate to one another. Now I have to say that I wonder if there was a change between the first volume and these last two, in order to make the big finish actually work. Given that one of the threads is that all the Realms should have been present at Elora's Ascension, it's abundantly clear that although one is significantly absent, there are two others that are only present by implication (death, in the form of the death of a significant presence, and despair in the sense that the Ascension was flawed.) It is strongly implied that there should have been physical manifestations of all the Realms, but that would be tricky for those two. And, of course, the whole issue of Chaos/Demons is skipped over entirely - are they a Realm, or are they outside the Realms? I'm still not entirely sure...
Anyway, that's beside the point. This is the highpoint of the series for me, because it gets to have fun - it doesn't have to resolve anything, the characters grow and evolve and the plot can take a bit of a backseat whilst still being important.
April 28, 2018
Wait, so that's that's the big reveal? I would swear this was the final book in the series, the way it ended, if it weren't for the fact that the bad 'guy' is still alive. And what, Elora is Daenerys now? Uh. Ok.
Still too much description in the book. Though to be honest I'm not sure if describing a song is any better than writing terrible lyrics. I guess if I had to chose I like the lyrics more? I mean I'm skipping it either way, but at least a brace of italicized phrases you can see where it ends.
Still too much description in the book. Though to be honest I'm not sure if describing a song is any better than writing terrible lyrics. I guess if I had to chose I like the lyrics more? I mean I'm skipping it either way, but at least a brace of italicized phrases you can see where it ends.
December 16, 2011
Bon je vais faire ça simple, j'ai vraiment essayer de finir ce roman mais là c'était juste trop. Je ne suis pas fan des livres avec des scènes incohérente, fucké et écrite avec de l'héroïne, de la coke, de l'acide et du buvard dans le sang. Le premier était encore lisible et suivable même si sa prenait un jet de will juste pour prendre le livre (le fan de jeu de role me comprennent) et le lire. Mais celui-ci, il ma vidé ma bank de will.
L'histoire part sur la suite du premier et Elaura Dannan apprend la magie, elle voit un genre d'assassin et croit le reconnaître. Lueur d'espoir de voir un personnage du film, he non, on le connait pas finalement. Donc Elaura décide durant la nuit de tester ses pouvoir et décide de voyager dans la pierre... pendant 40 pages, toute décrit au maximum dans les plus intimes détails. Shit, je savais pas que la roche sa avait du poile et des organe génitaux!!??!!! (bon ok j'exagère un peu). Mais vous voyez le principe. Après 40 pages, Elaura décide de retourné à sa chambre car la roche commence à s'opposer à elle et c'est dangereux. Je me dis bon y'était temps, on va passer à autre chose. Mais non. Le soir suivant elle fait la même maudite affaire dans les même maudit détails (là on a la longueur des organes génitaux) et là ben j'ai abandonné.
Ce livre et l'autre d'avant auraient dû être édité et couper pour faire un livre, pas une trilogie. Mais les deux auteur sont des plein de cash qui savent contourner la bonne et dû forme. Ils ont donc écrit leur scrap, ils l'ont printé et on fait du cash sur le dos de tellement de monde incrédule plein d'espoir comme moi car ils étaient fan du film.
Il existe un troisième livre dans la série et je veux même pas le lire. J'ai été lire les résumer sur le net (j'ai taper "Willow sequel with full spoiler" et j'ai pu lire le résumer) et y'avait pas dequoi me forcer plus longtemps.
Je vous le dit, perdez pas votre temps avec ces romans. Tentez votre chance seulement si vous êtes des méga-fan de Willow et si vous avez vraiment rien de mieux à lire.
Vous êtes averti.
L'histoire part sur la suite du premier et Elaura Dannan apprend la magie, elle voit un genre d'assassin et croit le reconnaître. Lueur d'espoir de voir un personnage du film, he non, on le connait pas finalement. Donc Elaura décide durant la nuit de tester ses pouvoir et décide de voyager dans la pierre... pendant 40 pages, toute décrit au maximum dans les plus intimes détails. Shit, je savais pas que la roche sa avait du poile et des organe génitaux!!??!!! (bon ok j'exagère un peu). Mais vous voyez le principe. Après 40 pages, Elaura décide de retourné à sa chambre car la roche commence à s'opposer à elle et c'est dangereux. Je me dis bon y'était temps, on va passer à autre chose. Mais non. Le soir suivant elle fait la même maudite affaire dans les même maudit détails (là on a la longueur des organes génitaux) et là ben j'ai abandonné.
Ce livre et l'autre d'avant auraient dû être édité et couper pour faire un livre, pas une trilogie. Mais les deux auteur sont des plein de cash qui savent contourner la bonne et dû forme. Ils ont donc écrit leur scrap, ils l'ont printé et on fait du cash sur le dos de tellement de monde incrédule plein d'espoir comme moi car ils étaient fan du film.
Il existe un troisième livre dans la série et je veux même pas le lire. J'ai été lire les résumer sur le net (j'ai taper "Willow sequel with full spoiler" et j'ai pu lire le résumer) et y'avait pas dequoi me forcer plus longtemps.
Je vous le dit, perdez pas votre temps avec ces romans. Tentez votre chance seulement si vous êtes des méga-fan de Willow et si vous avez vraiment rien de mieux à lire.
Vous êtes averti.
April 25, 2013
Actual review: 4.5
This was a wonderful sequel; I was in no way disappointed. Everything that I loved and found fascinating in the first book was brought more fully and beautifully to life here.
1) The unexpected continuously occurred, which kept the pace fast and the suspense high. I spent most of the book much as Elora did: trying to fit together the puzzle and figure things out before they were revealed.
2) Old characters return and are even better and more intriguing than before. A small new cast of characters who are just as fascinating and integral are introduced.
3) The sequel is told from Elora's point of view. The three year time jump between stories gave Elora time to grow and develop, so that the reader was able to get to know her even as she began to understand her self. I felt, several times, extremely close to her and almost a part of her--that, to me, is an indication of Claremont's incredible ability and range as a character author.
4) There was a more definite plot, goal, and conflict this time around, so the story was much easier to follow. That did not, however, tone down the pace or the suspense built into the story with the introduction of new characters, problems, and developments.
5) The three big reveals at the end are as shocking as they are stellar.
Why it's not 5 stars:
1) Claremont is too wordy and his writing style is very strange and somewhat convoluted. You have to be a patient, open-minded reader to enjoy and properly appreciate this book. It can become very confusing at times and he has a tendency to go overboard on details and descriptions.
I am eager to begin reading the final book and learning the outcome of the Shadow War. Being the huge Lucas fan that I am, I know that he believes in happy endings, so I have faith that Elora will succeed in binding the Realms together.
This was a wonderful sequel; I was in no way disappointed. Everything that I loved and found fascinating in the first book was brought more fully and beautifully to life here.
1) The unexpected continuously occurred, which kept the pace fast and the suspense high. I spent most of the book much as Elora did: trying to fit together the puzzle and figure things out before they were revealed.
2) Old characters return and are even better and more intriguing than before. A small new cast of characters who are just as fascinating and integral are introduced.
3) The sequel is told from Elora's point of view. The three year time jump between stories gave Elora time to grow and develop, so that the reader was able to get to know her even as she began to understand her self. I felt, several times, extremely close to her and almost a part of her--that, to me, is an indication of Claremont's incredible ability and range as a character author.
4) There was a more definite plot, goal, and conflict this time around, so the story was much easier to follow. That did not, however, tone down the pace or the suspense built into the story with the introduction of new characters, problems, and developments.
5) The three big reveals at the end are as shocking as they are stellar.
Why it's not 5 stars:
1) Claremont is too wordy and his writing style is very strange and somewhat convoluted. You have to be a patient, open-minded reader to enjoy and properly appreciate this book. It can become very confusing at times and he has a tendency to go overboard on details and descriptions.
I am eager to begin reading the final book and learning the outcome of the Shadow War. Being the huge Lucas fan that I am, I know that he believes in happy endings, so I have faith that Elora will succeed in binding the Realms together.
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September 14, 2010
After the amazing "Shadow Moon" I waited with bated breath for the sequel, certain it would live up to its predecessor. To say that this book disappointed me would be giving it entirely too much credit. Derivative, cliched and nauseatingly predictable, "Shadow Dawn" also had the misfortune of becoming thoroughly incomprehensible towards the end. I hated Elora Danan even more than I did in the first installment, and by the end I couldn't believe I had to buy HER as the savior of the world. Thanks to this piece of tripe, I didn't even bother to pick up the third book and just gave up on the series.
January 14, 2013
Truthfully, I find the middle books in a trilogy to drag a little. I love where we get to in the end of the book, the final mystery revealed is huge, so worth it. However, there should be more action and sub-plot in this one to keep it moving faster. I love the world, the characters, the humour and the good and evil both around and within.
This is a re-read but each time I discover another theme to ponder.
This is a re-read but each time I discover another theme to ponder.
May 11, 2007
After reading Shadow Moon, I was ready for Elora Danan to stop being a bitch, and this is the book that delivered. Willow reprises his role as Thorn Drumheller, and the characters that were new and different in the first sequel are now familar friends.
I really liked this book, although it naturaly has to be read as a follow-on to Shadow Moon.
I really liked this book, although it naturaly has to be read as a follow-on to Shadow Moon.
May 22, 2008
I liked the first book in this series, but this one fell flat for me. Not sure if I will pick up the third book or not.
September 12, 2008
The second book in the continuing Saga of Willow, again very detailed and thick with plot. Another fantastic read.
November 13, 2008
I really enjoyed the twists and turns this book presents
April 20, 2019
This book was a lot stronger than book one, but still, it is very confusing and the diagram doesn't help.
I like Elora, I enjoy her growth, her focus, and the way that she cares about the world regardless of her age and inexperience. I like that she puts herself before others now when in book one should would give less.
This book takes place two years after the first. Elora has been in hiding in the mountains with some of Willow's extended family. She has been learning about her powers she has built up. She is immune to magic spells cast on her. Willow also has peaced out for reasons being that he wants to have the Deciever focus on him instead of her... but we all know how that'll turn out.
The story is very choppy when it comes to the layout of the world. Apparently from whatever Lucas and Claremont are spinning (unsure who is making this difficult to understand), there is some sort of balance that there are four domains. Each domain depends on the previous one to exist, and all four must exist together in harmony? Something of that nature. Apparently Elora is the key to keeping them all in check.
Elora also gets visits by the dragons and the dragons are apparently wanting her to destroy them (where, as you learn from the tag line of book three, shit got real). Elora needs to figure out what is going on and why or what the Deciever will do with them. (Also, the answer on who the Deciever is was revealed.)
The other problem I have with the book is that the character of Willow is changed so horribly that he doesn't resemble the Willow from the first film, nor does he remotely feel like the same character in tone, stature, or appearance that would be played by Warwick Davis. I think that if this was adapted to film bits and pieces (like the whole 4 realms thing) should be kept but the characters and the plot points need to be reworked to make sense. Then again, will they ever adapt this?
I'm gonna be starting Book 3 and I feel I deserve to be rewarded for my patience. I do hope everything wraps up well and makes sense. I don't want to feel that I didn't enjoy a Lucas story, but I don't want to feel that a Lucas story should be thrown aside because it's Lucas. He is a good story-teller, truly, I just don't think he can do it on his own. Though why it's not coming across well with Chris Claremont leaves me to believe that Chris can't write full-fledged stuff.
I like Elora, I enjoy her growth, her focus, and the way that she cares about the world regardless of her age and inexperience. I like that she puts herself before others now when in book one should would give less.
This book takes place two years after the first. Elora has been in hiding in the mountains with some of Willow's extended family. She has been learning about her powers she has built up. She is immune to magic spells cast on her. Willow also has peaced out for reasons being that he wants to have the Deciever focus on him instead of her... but we all know how that'll turn out.
The story is very choppy when it comes to the layout of the world. Apparently from whatever Lucas and Claremont are spinning (unsure who is making this difficult to understand), there is some sort of balance that there are four domains. Each domain depends on the previous one to exist, and all four must exist together in harmony? Something of that nature. Apparently Elora is the key to keeping them all in check.
Elora also gets visits by the dragons and the dragons are apparently wanting her to destroy them (where, as you learn from the tag line of book three, shit got real). Elora needs to figure out what is going on and why or what the Deciever will do with them. (Also, the answer on who the Deciever is was revealed.)
The other problem I have with the book is that the character of Willow is changed so horribly that he doesn't resemble the Willow from the first film, nor does he remotely feel like the same character in tone, stature, or appearance that would be played by Warwick Davis. I think that if this was adapted to film bits and pieces (like the whole 4 realms thing) should be kept but the characters and the plot points need to be reworked to make sense. Then again, will they ever adapt this?
I'm gonna be starting Book 3 and I feel I deserve to be rewarded for my patience. I do hope everything wraps up well and makes sense. I don't want to feel that I didn't enjoy a Lucas story, but I don't want to feel that a Lucas story should be thrown aside because it's Lucas. He is a good story-teller, truly, I just don't think he can do it on his own. Though why it's not coming across well with Chris Claremont leaves me to believe that Chris can't write full-fledged stuff.
June 17, 2023
If you're one of the readers that finished the first book and enjoyed it, then this book is a solid continuation of the story.
If you didn't finish the first, or didn't like it, then there's nothing here for you.
I loved the first book, and I love how this one explores Elora Danan's growth and discovery of who she is.
This book does take a bold move right away by focusing solely on Elora and removing Thorn(Willow) from the story for a good portion. The first book was about Willow's journey as Thorn Drumheller. This book is all about Elora's coming-of-age. But Elora's exploration of her world and abilities is really fascinating, and completely different from the typical hero's journey. Her powers are powers of persuasion through song, dance, and speech. She inspires others, and her use of magic is more through a common agreement with nature than a command of spells and wands.
Most stories of this type end up with battles over who has the strongest spell or who can overpower their enemies with their wands. This is not one of those stories. This is a story about the conflict between hope and despair, between dreams and chaos. And I'm here for it.
There are still many unanswered questions at the end of this book, but the world building is first rate. Highly recommended.
If you didn't finish the first, or didn't like it, then there's nothing here for you.
I loved the first book, and I love how this one explores Elora Danan's growth and discovery of who she is.
This book does take a bold move right away by focusing solely on Elora and removing Thorn(Willow) from the story for a good portion. The first book was about Willow's journey as Thorn Drumheller. This book is all about Elora's coming-of-age. But Elora's exploration of her world and abilities is really fascinating, and completely different from the typical hero's journey. Her powers are powers of persuasion through song, dance, and speech. She inspires others, and her use of magic is more through a common agreement with nature than a command of spells and wands.
Most stories of this type end up with battles over who has the strongest spell or who can overpower their enemies with their wands. This is not one of those stories. This is a story about the conflict between hope and despair, between dreams and chaos. And I'm here for it.
There are still many unanswered questions at the end of this book, but the world building is first rate. Highly recommended.
December 15, 2020
Solid addition furthering the lore of these characters. I didn’t keep track of the characters well, as sometimes happens when taking a while to read a book, but I enjoyed the novel nonetheless. There were definite moments in the book that were good. I just hope the conclusion ties it all together and doesn’t try to do too much.
February 19, 2019
It's not necessary (for me) to take 5 pages to describe a part of a city (and a few pages again another couple of pages for another part), but other events were glossed over too quickly and made it weird. All in all however, I like this sequel to Willow
March 13, 2023
The third book is like 80 bucks... I don't know how I'm going to finish.
Read this at a SLOW page. Very descriptive language and a little bit of a slog, but a good story if you can find it between the description of rocks.
Read this at a SLOW page. Very descriptive language and a little bit of a slog, but a good story if you can find it between the description of rocks.
July 17, 2019
Story is shaping up nicely.
February 10, 2020
Do you think I will be ok reading this with out reading first one
July 12, 2020
Really great series
March 28, 2021
J'ai apprécié cette dark trilogie mais la traduction, pardon, c'est une catastrophe!!! Dommage, cela gâche tout!
February 26, 2022
I grew up watching the movie Willow and thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy which continues the story of Elora Danan and Willow Ufgood. I wish it would come out in epub.
August 30, 2022
It is not a great book, but I do not regret reading it. Elora´s development is well written, yet some scene switching was sometimes confusing
November 30, 2022
En realidad un 3,5. Mejora un poco el batiburrillo.
May 3, 2023
story in the middle of the book and at the end got boring. First book was good. the second book pretty much boring to read through
September 11, 2023
Far and away superior to the first installment. The shift in focus of the protagonist, better pacing, and exciting action are all a welcome change.
June 26, 2024
Loved that this book was told more from Eloras point of view. And I love the "bard" aspect of the story as well.
March 19, 2022
Review to come!
January 26, 2021
SPOILER ALERT – NOT A GOOD READ
Shadow Moon, Shadow Dawn and Shadow Star – I’m reviewing all in toto, as my opinions on each volume are very, very similar.
In a word. . . Disappointing. Clumsy. Disjointed. Difficult. Wordy. Messy. Tedious. Taxing. Tiring. Frustrating.
Well, that’s ten words, but grinding through this trilogy became more of a personal quest for completion rather than any semblance of a pleasurable reading experience. While I have no idea what the collaborative balance and division of labor was between Claremont and Lucas, the books were just a hard read.
The plot line was on one hand overly thin, and yet the story narrative itself was overly complex and detailed – piling on massive amounts of unnecessary detail in some sections (diluting the core writing), and in others making huge leaps of plot or narrative without any connective tissue. Many times in all three books I had to flip back and re-read pages trying to figure out how the story suddenly got from A to B, and in many cases I was left in the dark.
While there were no glaring MacGuffins, the plot device of “magic pouch that delivers whatever you need” consistently danced on that edge, but you can forgive it in a fantasy novel. However, the large gaps in the narrative leaves out huge chunks of ‘connective tissue’ that would more successfully advance the story, round out the plot and the characters, and make the overall read less painful.
I finished Shadow Moon with a 2-star rating. By the time I completed the trilogy I must go back and “One Star” the entire lot, then head to the used book store to unload these disappointments on some future sucker.
Shadow Moon, Shadow Dawn and Shadow Star – I’m reviewing all in toto, as my opinions on each volume are very, very similar.
In a word. . . Disappointing. Clumsy. Disjointed. Difficult. Wordy. Messy. Tedious. Taxing. Tiring. Frustrating.
Well, that’s ten words, but grinding through this trilogy became more of a personal quest for completion rather than any semblance of a pleasurable reading experience. While I have no idea what the collaborative balance and division of labor was between Claremont and Lucas, the books were just a hard read.
The plot line was on one hand overly thin, and yet the story narrative itself was overly complex and detailed – piling on massive amounts of unnecessary detail in some sections (diluting the core writing), and in others making huge leaps of plot or narrative without any connective tissue. Many times in all three books I had to flip back and re-read pages trying to figure out how the story suddenly got from A to B, and in many cases I was left in the dark.
While there were no glaring MacGuffins, the plot device of “magic pouch that delivers whatever you need” consistently danced on that edge, but you can forgive it in a fantasy novel. However, the large gaps in the narrative leaves out huge chunks of ‘connective tissue’ that would more successfully advance the story, round out the plot and the characters, and make the overall read less painful.
I finished Shadow Moon with a 2-star rating. By the time I completed the trilogy I must go back and “One Star” the entire lot, then head to the used book store to unload these disappointments on some future sucker.
August 13, 2016
Shadow Dawn isn't as strong as its prequel (Shadow Moon) or its sequel (Shadow Star) but it's still very good for 90's fantasy. As with the entire trilogy, the content is really unique, avoiding the timeworn epic fantasy cliches. The world it describes is quite wonderful and filled with Oz-like anachronisms. The characters are strong, notably Willow ("Thorn"), Elora (no longer a brat), Luc John and Khory Bannefin, a mysterious woman possessed by a demon but on the side of good.
The book has its weaknesses. Claremont's already cluttered and difficult prose gets even more obtuse in this volume, making some of the major sequences hard to picture. There are masses of details describing everything, characters get clothing descriptions from undergarments to jewelry! Patience and close reading are required.
But there are big pluses: the Dragons are elaborated on and they are truly unique and wonderful; the long, slow middle section that is mostly character building; we get to see other Nelwyn, mountain dwelling folk, a nice addition to the series; there's also an abundance of magical races, including some magnificent and truly fierce High Elves.
And it's all building up the spectacular climax, Shadow Star . . .
The book has its weaknesses. Claremont's already cluttered and difficult prose gets even more obtuse in this volume, making some of the major sequences hard to picture. There are masses of details describing everything, characters get clothing descriptions from undergarments to jewelry! Patience and close reading are required.
But there are big pluses: the Dragons are elaborated on and they are truly unique and wonderful; the long, slow middle section that is mostly character building; we get to see other Nelwyn, mountain dwelling folk, a nice addition to the series; there's also an abundance of magical races, including some magnificent and truly fierce High Elves.
And it's all building up the spectacular climax, Shadow Star . . .
August 20, 2015
Actual rating: 2 1/2 stars
I didn't realize when I initially picked this up that it was the middle book of a trilogy. Once I did realize it, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. In hindsight that decision was probably a mistake.
The book's young protagonist is engaging, but there were too many times when events or relationships felt underdeveloped. I suspect most of that was due to my lack of familiarity with the previous title. A major reveal near the end of the story also felt somewhat anticlimactic, though I again found myself wondering if seeds had been planted in the previous book that might have made it more significant.
Otherwise it was a pleasant enough read, but few of the elements seemed terribly original to me. That wasn't really too much of a surprise since the story was credited to George Lucas, whose strengths typically lie in how he presents action rather than the storyline driving it.
Overall this didn't seem like a waste of time, but it wasn't compelling enough that I feel obligated to seek out the other volumes. Perhaps if I'd started with the first title I'd feel differently, but as a stand-alone title this one seems a little underdone.
I didn't realize when I initially picked this up that it was the middle book of a trilogy. Once I did realize it, I decided to go ahead and give it a try. In hindsight that decision was probably a mistake.
The book's young protagonist is engaging, but there were too many times when events or relationships felt underdeveloped. I suspect most of that was due to my lack of familiarity with the previous title. A major reveal near the end of the story also felt somewhat anticlimactic, though I again found myself wondering if seeds had been planted in the previous book that might have made it more significant.
Otherwise it was a pleasant enough read, but few of the elements seemed terribly original to me. That wasn't really too much of a surprise since the story was credited to George Lucas, whose strengths typically lie in how he presents action rather than the storyline driving it.
Overall this didn't seem like a waste of time, but it wasn't compelling enough that I feel obligated to seek out the other volumes. Perhaps if I'd started with the first title I'd feel differently, but as a stand-alone title this one seems a little underdone.
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