Cast in Secrets and Shadows

Loresmith #2

by Andrea Robertson, Andrea Cremer

Game of Thrones meets An Ember in the Ashes in the second book in this action-packed fantasy from Andrea Robertson, the internationally bestselling author of the Nightshade series.

Ara has taken up her mantle as the Loresmith--but her journey is far from over. After suffering betrayals and losses, Ara, Nimhea, Lahvja, and Teth must try to come together and find the Loreknights across the kingdom. The Loreknights are their only hope in overthrowing the evil Vokkans and putting Nimhea on the throne for good. But their journey will put Ara and her companions in grave danger--from the endless pursuit of the Vokkans to perilous encounters with the gods, and the near impossible trials they face along the way--will they be able to survive long enough to help the rebellion?

And through it all the Vokkans are expanding their reach throughout Saetlund, putting everyone Ara and her friends love at risk. Only Ara can forge a way forward, take up her powers, and fight to change the world--no matter what it costs.

From internationally bestselling author Andrea Roberston comes the second book in a gorgeously written new fantasy series perfect for readers of Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse or Sabaa Tahir's An Ember in the Ashes series.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Audiobook, Adventure, Young Adult Fantasy, Romance, High Fantasy

Hardcover

First published July 20, 2021

About the author

Andrea Roberston (formerly Andrea Cremer) is the internationally bestselling author of the Nightshade series and of Invisibility, which she co-wrote with David Levithan. She is also the author of the Inventor's Secret trilogy. Originally from Minnesota, she now lives in California.

Reviews

[The Nerd Daily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Originally published on The Nerd Daily | Review by Graceley Knox

All in all, Cast in Secrets and Shadow was a solid second novel in the series, but it definitely had that middle of the series book feel to me, so I’m hopeful that book three will round it off with a strong kick to the feels as book one did. Knowing Robertson’s other works though, I have all the confidence in the world that she won’t leave her fans wanting when it comes to revealing all the answers.

Read the FULL REVIEW on The Nerd Daily

[Meg Box · Rating 2 out of 5]

She was boring at parts. They went on this super long journey to find the bare minimum of people to join their gang. How is there only 1 more book?? Although congrats on the sex scene, it was actually accurately portrayed for once. Bravo

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how or when I can get my hands on the next book but I want it now. If you enjoyed Forged in Fire and Stars, then prepare for this one! I swear somehow the plot, romance, and adventure are amped up even more than the first novel.

I probably shouldn't be typing out this review right after I finished because all my mind can think is that I want the next one. All I can really say is that if you enjoyed the first book, get ready for more amazing adventures. If you still haven't read the first novel and you're looking for a magical adventure, then definitely check out Forged in Fire and Stars!

[Gretal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, I don't particularly care about the plot, but it doesn't matter. I love all these characters and am excited for the conclusion next year.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calling all Furyborn/Shadow and Bone fans! IF you're a fan of those two books than this one is definitely for you. Cast in secrets and shadows action packed and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. So much that i read it in 2 sittings (could have been one but i did have to sleep 😭) The thrilling sequel to "Forged in Fire and Stars" follows the same cast of characters that we know and love, plus tons more! In fact i really liked the new editions to the squad. But as i was saying, After a devastating betrayal, and the title of the Lorsemith being claimed, Ara must venture off to complete the tasks to prove her worth to the gods. All while having a vicious empire at her heals. If you thought the cliff hanger was agonizing in book one, just you wait for book two. What i loved about this book is not only the lovable and relatable characters, but seeing their development. Especially between Teth and Ara. I loved the Enemies to Lovers (i'm a sucker for that trope.) The chemistry here was just unmatched. The pacing in this book is not to fast or slow, and really compliments the plot and timeline of the tasks. I also really enjoyed the fact that we got more of Liran and Zenar. On top of that, i hope we get more of Dagger (yes, there is an assassin :) Can't wait to find out what happens in book 3!

[Becca Mee · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAST IN SECRETS AND SHADOW was one of those sequels that goes above and beyond book 1. I love a good quest book, and CSaS was a really great continuation of the request of Ara and her friends in the aftermath of a devastating betrayal. You really get a great sense of our characters and their interactions that can't help but make you feel like a part of Ara's crew. I loved the challenges Ara faces when Teth becomes one of her first Loreknights and how she struggles to balance love and her duty as the Loresmith. I love the fluctuations that this relationship goes through and you can't help but love them as a couple. I love the raw emotions in this book as well as Ara and Nimhea have to deal with the shock and hurt they feel after someone they both love has betrayed them, and the way that the author portrays and allows her characters to process that was something very special. Once again, Robertson's world-building and mythology is really interesting and I loved seeing more of Ara's mission, her world, and her gods. CAST IN SECRETS AND SHADOW was a real gem of a sequel, a story about love, duty and healing from betrayal that I found really enjoyable.

[Katherine Bichler · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5 STARS

This is book 2 in a YA fantasy trilogy. I liked it better than the first book because it had more of a quest feel. The first part is set in a jungle where the MC has to prove her worth to the Gods with tasks. She then travels on adding more people to her crew. The character development is much better. We even get more romance (enemies to lovers). I will read the final book to see what happens.

[Alejandro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there were more make out sessions than Loreknights recruited in this installment

[Etta (Chonky Books Review) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cast in Secrets and Shadow is the sequel novel to Forged in Fire and Stars in the Loresmith series. I was a little unsure of continuing the series as I was on the fence with the first novel, but I am glad I moved forward and tried this one. While I greatly enjoyed this novel, it is a little frustrating as the ending sets up for a third novel, but, unfortunately, I do not see a release date. There is a cliffhanger in this novel and I am curious to learn what happens next. There is enough material that this could be expanded beyond a trilogy, but I think one more novel could wrap-up everything enough to create a satisfying ending. This novel built on the previous one very well and I cannot wait to see what the third would offer.

The main character, Ara, is now the Loresmith and must now prove her worth to the gods. Through the different obstacles she faces, she constructs new weapons and more members are recruited into the Loreknights. Ara continues to develop as a character. Since I did not connect with her a lot in the first novel, it was nice getting to know her more in this novel. Her potential romance with Teth is further explored in this novel, but there is a lot standing in their way to make any romance work. Ara has a lot to balance with staying true to herself and adjusting to her new role with many complex emotions involved. She struggles a lot with decision making, which helps a lot with her character development. Again, while there is still a lot that I want to learn about the character, I feel more connected to her in this novel compared to the previous.

A new addition to the group is Joar, who brought some fun to the team. Although he was not a huge presence in the novel, there is a lot of potential with the character and I enjoyed his “scenes.” There is also Dagger, an assassin that was an interesting addition to the mix. Along with Eamon, Nimhea, Lahvia, Liran, and Zenar all still present in some way throughout the story, the characters are all beginning to grow on me as time moves forward. Some characters have a large presence and others are only there for a brief time as there a lot happening at any given moment. I think the most difficult part about this series is that I do not know where I am within the series. The story reads differently if it is a duology, trilogy, or longer series, so without knowing how many total novels to expect, it is difficult to see how everything fits together and how much more will come.

Overall, as a lot of the world building was the focus of the first novel, this one further explores the action, relationships, and romance. The writing is detailed and interesting, so, again, I am curious how everything will come together. The Vokkans are an intriguing group of villains with their destruction and the other characters trying to right all the wrongs. As there are betrayals and twists in this novel, there is still a lot of questions to be answered and quests that need to be completed. This was a great sequel and now I just have to sit tight until a third novel is announced. [3.75 rounded to 4]

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my full review here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/yafict...

CAST IN SECRETS AND SHADOW is an action-packed sequel to FORGED IN FIRE AND STARS. While still including much of the mythology and world-building that made the first one so great, this sequel takes off in terms of action, adventure, and romance. Eamon has now abandoned his twin sister and friends, turning to the high wizard of Vokk. Ara is fully invested in being the Loresmith, continuing the journey begun in the first book, to seek out the other gods, their forges, and anointing those they have chosen as Loreknights.

As they seem to find danger at every turn, Ara grapples with how to fulfill her destiny while also being true to herself and her feelings. She has accepted her fate, but it is not an easy path to walk as she fears for those around her and seeks to do her best at the tasks given. As the Vokkans continue their plotting and destruction, Ara and her crew must continue forward despite the great costs along the way.

What I loved: The world-building and mythology are truly incredible here, and I loved learning about some new gods in this world as well as the way people have continued their work and reacted to the problems. The challenges continue to be really fascinating, and I loved not only the challenges themselves, but especially the journey. There is a new character which we meet after not too long, and I absolutely adored them. The core character group is filled with people I found really compelling and cannot help but love. There are definitely some nail-biting moments as a result.

This book moves even faster than the first, while everything continues to make sense and be explained just enough. It's great for readers who appreciate the just-right quick adventure speed. There is also a lot of character growth in the story, as particularly Ara and Nimhea must define themselves and their roles as they continue forward. Both characters really develop in the story, and Nimhea comes into her own. I continued to adore Lahvja, Teth, and other recurring characters. The people in this story really come to life, and I appreciated their wit, humor, and truths.

The themes here are even further developed around religion, sacrifice, conquering, destiny/fate, love and its selfishness, and duty versus feelings. These were really thought-provoking and would make this a great book for discussion in a book club.

What left me wanting more: As a small point, this does have a middle book feel, as we take a few steps, but are still so far from the big picture. However, I don't think it could have gone further without missing some important parts or rushing too much.

Final verdict: With intricate world-building and compelling characters, CAST IN SECRETS AND SHADOW is a fascinating and thought-provoking YA fantasy sequel. Highly recommend for fans of FURYBORN, FIREBORNE, and THE YOUNG ELITES.

Please note that I received a review copy. All opinions are my own.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Andrea Robertston comes back with "Cast in Secret in Shadow," a spicy, middle-of-the-road sequel that delivered on its original promise: pure entertainment.

While this story won't be breaking any barriers or bringing anything new to the genre, the story was a perfect continuation of the first book and kept its "kids go on a magical quest" plot at its heart. Ara is just as loveable and naive as in the first book, Teth is just as roguishly mischievous, and Nimhea and Lahvja are still a great couple. The introduction of the new characters in this book, as well as the extra narration, feel as though they help beef up the story, and leaves me anxious to see the rest of their character arcs. While the majority of these characters feel flat, including the introduction of another companion for the original group, they add to the banter — with Roberston is a master at writing.

"Cast in Secret in Shadow" did a decent job of setting up for the last book, but I still felt it dragged; I'm worried now, without too much plot development (and a weird amount of focus on food descriptions), Robertson will be forced to either create a massive third book, extend the series, or cut important pieces to fit this into a trilogy. I'm also worried that, with adding all the narration and different characters and points of view, Robertson may have too much to juggle in terms of keeping things in suspense. This is especially true in the plot twist at the end (which, to anyone who has read young adult fiction before, was less of a "twist" and more of an overly-used trope). At times, Robertston falls into the predictability trap – but it doesn't necessarily take away from the story if you're willing to take it for what it is: entertainment for teens.

Taken at a surface level, "Cast in Secret in Shadow" is just, simply, a fun read. It doesn't take much brainpower, the story is interesting, and the setting is fun, if oversimplified. And while not genre-breaking by any means, it's a solid sequel to an equally fun YA fantasy.

[Melissa Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨“𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭. 𝐈 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐬𝐨𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞.”—Andrea Robertson

Graced with a video game feel, the second Loresmith book is packed with tons of action and filled with quests. In fact, I loved it more than the first. It felt a bit more mature and it offered more POVs, which I appreciated. Each of Ara’s perilous pursuits of the gods was a trial. Each success unlocked the Loresmith forge, allowing Ara to craft new weapons and recruit new members into the band of Loreknights. I loved the way each achievement along Ara’s path taught her something new and valuable. But even that might not be enough to overthrow the Vokkans.

I love the queer representation. I love the characters. My favorites are, of course, Ara and Teth. But all the characters are each unique and offer something to the collective whole group. If you enjoy found family, this delivers. Also, this book introduced a couple of new POVs which added layers to the plot. I especially liked the addition of a wolf!! And I’m eager to see more of Dagger’s story because I love assassins.

The plot was really fun. This the first book I’ve read that really felt like I was playing a video game. Each quest for the gods felt like an opportunity to level up. Not only did these quests teach Ara and her companions valuable lessons, they made her stronger, and she always came out with something new for her Loreknights. I mean, how cool is that?! And on that note, the world building is filling out nicely. As Ara attends each quest, a bit more world is fleshed out.

The ending had a small cliff hanger and the epilogue was a bit sinister. I was soooo thrilled by the darker turn. The darkness foreshadowed for the next book has me waiting on the edge of my seat. This little hidden gem of a series has grown on me BIG TIME. I’m not sure how many books there will be, but I’m HERE for all of them! 𝐌𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓⭐️

[Jessica Schulz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn’t decide on 3 or 4 stars. Good follow up to the first book in this series, of the characters continuing their quest. I think I would have liked to see more lore knights be found, in the entirety of this book only one? Really? When there’s like (I can’t remember) 12 or something in total. Nimhea, for being a princess and potential ruler doesn’t seem very inclined to leading. It’s seems left up to Ara, and while I understand this is her quest she’s brought them all on, Nimhea seems like she rather would flirt Lahvja than help lead the group. Hell all the other characters seem more like leaders than her. I also found myself more and more interested in Dagger, rather than the main characters and she’s only in this book for a very short time. So I settled on the 3 stars, because after awhile I found Ara’s band of merry men boring at times, wanted more of a lore knight situation and/or action and nothing about this this provoked strong emotion of any sort. I say all this but I did enjoy it for the most part and how about that creepy epilogue!!

[Allysa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such an underrated series in my opinion. This book picks up right after the first and continues Ara, Teth, Nimeah, and Lahvja’s quest to find the Saetlund gods and earn their blessing in the way to taking back the kingdom through the Loreknights. The quest takes them on integrating journeys through the different areas of the country and introduces them to new characters all the time. I loved meeting Joan and Huntress and enjoyed how they seamlessly became a part of the journey. I also enjoyed the extra details and Linard and Zenar and how they differ so greatly. Zenar truly feels more and more menacingly unhinged and evil in this book, especially within the epilogue. And it is easy to cheer for Linard but also feel like he is not doing enough.
I’m excited to finish the series and see who the remaining loreknights are as well as discovering who Nava is warning Ara and friends about.
Also the romance gets much more intense in this book which I found a bit surprising in the general context of the plot, but I didn’t mind it.

[Celia (BuriedBeneathMyTBR) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!

First off, thank you to penguin teen for this e-arc. I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was so happy when I received this one!

We pick up EXACTLY where book one leaves off. I loved how the author kept that continuation and there wasn’t any random time jumps. Our characters are coming to terms with the betrayal from the cliffhanger of book one and the addition of a new loreknight. They continue their quest and trials from the gods and along the way, they meet new companions. I love Huntress and Jora SO MUCH. Also, I felt that in book one, we don’t see as much of Liran and Zenar and we definitely see more dialogue from them in this book. Book one definitely was a good foundation for this series because book 2 pumped the action up a lot.

And don’t even get me started on the cliffhanger at the end of this book!

I’ll be counting down the days until I get my hands on book 3.

[Celia (BuriedBeneathMyTBR) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew!

First off, thank you to penguin teen for this e-arc. I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was so happy when I received this one!

We pick up EXACTLY where book one leaves off. I loved how the author kept that continuation and there wasn’t any random time jumps. Our characters are coming to terms with the betrayal from the cliffhanger of book one and the addition of a new loreknight. They continue their quest and trials from the gods and along the way, they meet new companions. I love Huntress and Jora SO MUCH. Also, I felt that in book one, we don’t see as much of Liran and Zenar and we definitely see more dialogue from them in this book. Book one definitely was a good foundation for this series because book 2 pumped the action up a lot.

And don’t even get me started on the cliffhanger at the end of this book!

I’ll be counting down the days until I get my hands on book 3.

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ara and her band of rebels continue their quest across Saetlund as they look for the sacred hiding places of the kingdom's dieties so Ara can access the Loresmith forge and create various weapons for the newly chosen Loreknights. There are few new characters that are much needed to give the trilogy some depth and so is the perspective of the ArchWizard, Zenar and his brother Liran, who are the sons of the Vokken leader, as Zenar has a plan to remove his father from power. Eamon unwilling gives Zenar his sister's and the Loresmith's plan, so Ara and her group become the hunted. The pacing is much improved from the first book while still adding to the character developement and budding romances between the four main characters. I'm definately interested how this whole adventure ends.

[Kelly Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all Teth!!!!

Now to the actual review.

I quit liked how Ara developed in this novel. She struggled with making decisions, second guessing herself at every turn and doubting her ability to mix love and duty.

Yet she never let it completely stop her. She knew she had to complete her quest regardless of her mixed emotions. When she made a mistake she confronted it, even though it sometimes took her a while to decide on how to deal with the situation.

Joar was also a fun addition to the group. While we didn't get much of him, he had a steady personality and that was a good fit.

Overall it was a fun book and I'm really looking forward to the next one.

[MB · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to rate this higher but on the other hand I feel like this series just keeps getting better and better, so the next few will just continue this trend. It is honestly so great. While only focusing on the main character this book is also able to give such insight and importance to the other characters, I am wayyy too attached to all of them. AND THE LOVE STORIES AH they’re amazing and so cute! And then this storyline is so amazing. The world building continues to be great and I absolutely love learning about all of the gods and hidden plots occurring behind enemy lines. I genuinely can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Tabitha Driver · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. It was definitely better written than the first book.

The strength is in the world building. The action is shaky and somewhat episodic. But I don't mind that.

I'm definitely curious about who will be the next Loreknight, and Liran and Zenar's chances of surviving their dad. I'm guessing at some point all of the original band will be Loreknights?

I don't get why Eamon didn't act more confident that Zulgur would help him or surprised when he didn't. He seemed to just accept being imprisoned --not asking for healing or resources.

Joar's singing and Dagger's perspectives are fun details.

I love the humor of Teth and Joar.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, not better than book 1, but I think we're finally starting to get somewhere. If there is only 3 books, I fear this last book will be seriously rushed. Only 3 loreknights have been chosen, 7 more to go, and only 1 book? Dagger is super annoying, and she's probably one of them, otherwise she wouldn't have been introduced by name and get her own chapter.
And this IMMEDIATE infatuation that Liran has once meeting Dagger for what, 10 minutes? Come on now, that is absolutely absurd, rofl.
Not really much to say for this book, I guess my final thoughts will have to wait until I finish the last book once it is released. Unless the Author has decided to stretch beyond 3 books.

[Katherine Paschal · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5 stars**
I really liked the 1st book but it felt like this was dragged a lot more, the plot meandered instead of staying on point. And there was A LOT of angst, which is not my favorite. I did like the action scenes though.
Also I thought this was going to be the end of a duology, but I was wrong and there has to be at least 1 more book (way more if it is paced the same as this book since there are a lot of lore-soldiers left to find)

[Chantal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I hope I keep giving these books 5 stars. I am so glad I got to this 2nd book and this way I am fresh for the 3rd one in May! Honestly the end and the whole book had me on the edge of my seat. Ara's skill in her forging is amazing, the way with the Gods and interactions. I can't wait to see the next quest. I adored Huntress, and every new character that have or I am guessing will join the knights. There are so many other thoughts that I can't unscramble, but I just adore it!

[Forever Young Adult]

Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Knives (and Swords and Axes) Out
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 7
Talky Talk: Bridge Book
Bonus Factors: Found Families, Quests, Gods
Anti-Bonus Factor: Child Abuse
Relationship Status: I’m Still Here

Read the full book report here.

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I was a little bummed at the bridge book nature of the story, but I'm still really loving the world and the emphasis on the found family trope.

Full review to come, but you can check out a teaser mini-review on the Forever Young Adult Instagram.

[Dreams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great continuation of the Loresmith series. I loved getting to know more about our characters and may have even met a new favorite character. It was a bit slow at spots but overall I enjoyed the pacing. The world building is still fantastic and I would definitely be hesitant to visit some of the areas our gang has to go through. I'm excited to see where book 3 takes us.

[Mary Seaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man! This gets better and better.

Can’t wait for the next book. You will need more once you’re finished!

This has so much adventure, romance and mysteries. The quests and new characters were superb. Definitely recommend this series.

Violent, a bit saucy and dark.

[Chi-Chi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, this started a bit slow and made me wonder if I misremembered my love for the first book. But boy did things pick up. The relationships, the new Loreknights, the giant cliffhanger, it was great.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

The middle book usually isn't that good, but this book was possibly better than the first.
Personally, I could do without teenage love story subplot, but it's a pretty minor portion of the overall book.

[CR · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a promising young adult fantasy novel with imaginative world-building and complex characters. Despite its pacing issues and occasional narrative complexity, Andrea Robertson delivers an engaging read that will appeal to fans of magical intrigue and high-stakes fantasy adventures.