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The Blood of Eith #1
Where the Shadows Beckon
Get ready for the journey of a lifetime in the first book of an all-new, captivating fantasy series from thrilling debut author Gillian Grant.
As a hunter, Evren Hanali of Orenlion has probably seen it all and done even more, even though she likes to fade into the background. She prefers a solitary existence, doing the jobs she’s commissioned for and not much else. But fate has other plans. It seems she has a destiny—one she is only beginning to unravel. And unlikely companions and exotic places are only the beginning of her journey.
When circumstances beyond her control—and gravity—send her plummeting to what she fears may be her death, walking away unscathed opens a world of possibilities. Somehow, she becomes the leader of a motley crew of allies with a shared mission. Only it’s not clear what anyone’s end goal is, and trust is hard-earned. Still, the merry band of adventurers finds solace and friendship along the way—not to mention dangers galore.
In the instance of the Yawning Deep, as above is not as below. Add magic and mayhem to the mix, and Evren has the fight of her life on her hands. When one hard-fought win leads to revelations of lies, deceit, and murder, Evren and company must be willing to fight for what they believe—and each other.
Or die trying.
As a hunter, Evren Hanali of Orenlion has probably seen it all and done even more, even though she likes to fade into the background. She prefers a solitary existence, doing the jobs she’s commissioned for and not much else. But fate has other plans. It seems she has a destiny—one she is only beginning to unravel. And unlikely companions and exotic places are only the beginning of her journey.
When circumstances beyond her control—and gravity—send her plummeting to what she fears may be her death, walking away unscathed opens a world of possibilities. Somehow, she becomes the leader of a motley crew of allies with a shared mission. Only it’s not clear what anyone’s end goal is, and trust is hard-earned. Still, the merry band of adventurers finds solace and friendship along the way—not to mention dangers galore.
In the instance of the Yawning Deep, as above is not as below. Add magic and mayhem to the mix, and Evren has the fight of her life on her hands. When one hard-fought win leads to revelations of lies, deceit, and murder, Evren and company must be willing to fight for what they believe—and each other.
Or die trying.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 1, 2022
120 people are currently reading
1296 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Grant
9 books45 followersGillian Grant was born in Texas and grew up enthralled with fantasy stories of all kinds. As she got older, she often traveled with her family and imagined wild adventures while exploring the mountains of Colorado and the glens of Scotland. Back home in Texas, she took her love of fantasy to the next level and sat a group of friends down to play Dungeons and Dragons. From there, they built the world her first novel, Where The Shadows Beckon was set in. When she’s not writing, Gillian is normally juggling too many D&D campaigns, grooming dogs, and imagining her next adventure. She still lives in Texas with her two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 27, 2022
2.5 stars
It pains me to say this but I truly did not care about this book at any point. I only finished it because I’d heard there was an interesting plot twist at 50% (there was not) and I wanted to see what it was. By the time I got there I felt like I had to finish it.
This book is well written. However, it is entirely plot. And the plot has quite a few holes. The ending was incredibly rushed and full of convenient moments for the characters. There was almost no world building or character development. 300+ pages and not once was I attached to any of the characters. The main character in particular was incredibly dull and inconsistent. She was clever when it was convenient to the plot, had a big mysterious past that is never explained, and is not really that good of a fighter or hunter. The only character I felt anything for was Sorin and that's only because he annoyed the fuck out of me.
A weird pet peeve was that they constantly talked about not having a way to tell the passage of time underground and yet constantly mentioned how much time had passed (after an hour, 5 minutes passed, etc.) You said you didn’t know stop mentioning it!!!
UPDATE: I was not aware this was book one in a series. My opinions still stand but it explains a few of the remaining plot holes regarding the characters' backgrounds.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
It pains me to say this but I truly did not care about this book at any point. I only finished it because I’d heard there was an interesting plot twist at 50% (there was not) and I wanted to see what it was. By the time I got there I felt like I had to finish it.
This book is well written. However, it is entirely plot. And the plot has quite a few holes. The ending was incredibly rushed and full of convenient moments for the characters. There was almost no world building or character development. 300+ pages and not once was I attached to any of the characters. The main character in particular was incredibly dull and inconsistent. She was clever when it was convenient to the plot, had a big mysterious past that is never explained, and is not really that good of a fighter or hunter. The only character I felt anything for was Sorin and that's only because he annoyed the fuck out of me.
A weird pet peeve was that they constantly talked about not having a way to tell the passage of time underground and yet constantly mentioned how much time had passed (after an hour, 5 minutes passed, etc.) You said you didn’t know stop mentioning it!!!
UPDATE: I was not aware this was book one in a series. My opinions still stand but it explains a few of the remaining plot holes regarding the characters' backgrounds.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
January 6, 2022
WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is the first instalment in debut author Gillian Grant’s high fantasy series THE BLOOD OF EITH focusing on half-elf, hunter Evren Hanali of Orenlion, and her ragtag team of misfit warriors.
Told from third person perspective (Evren) WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON follows hunter, half-elf Evren Hanali as she seeks temporary refuge in the underground city of Dirn-Darahl where she will meet Vasa Sorin Trinity, and his magical friend Arke the goblin, but their descent into the depths of Dirn-Darahl is met with a deadly explosion finding our trio on the fifth level, a level that holds the city’s most dangerous criminals. Upon their rescue, Evren, and her new companions she meets along the way, are task by the King’s second in command General Heliodar, with returning the Seeker, dwarf Goriryn Karas, an escaped political prisoner, whose search for his cousin, takes the team into an underground world of elves, giant worms, magical creatures and more.
We are introduced to a large number of colorful and eccentric characters including Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, Seeker Goriryn Karas and his cousin cartographer Temsen Cartack, elf Abraxas Kain, Poig, warrior and half giant Gyda, Nobleman Malrus Ekan, General Heliodar, and Herald of Light elf Viggo of Andovine.
WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is a journey into the fantastic of magical beasts, betrayal, vengeance, and war. As Evren begins her trek into the underground world of elves and gods, our heroine will discover deceit and treason are but the starting point to a war between the differing factions of elves, dwarves, and surface worlders.
For fans and readers of the Lord of the Rings™ franchise, and the varying facets of Dungeons and Dragons™, the familiarity is overwhelming down to the names of several characters including Herald of Light Viggo (snicker). The premise is detailed and complex-the world building is intricate, comprehensive and familiar; the characters are numerous, rich and often recognizable.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from third person perspective (Evren) WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON follows hunter, half-elf Evren Hanali as she seeks temporary refuge in the underground city of Dirn-Darahl where she will meet Vasa Sorin Trinity, and his magical friend Arke the goblin, but their descent into the depths of Dirn-Darahl is met with a deadly explosion finding our trio on the fifth level, a level that holds the city’s most dangerous criminals. Upon their rescue, Evren, and her new companions she meets along the way, are task by the King’s second in command General Heliodar, with returning the Seeker, dwarf Goriryn Karas, an escaped political prisoner, whose search for his cousin, takes the team into an underground world of elves, giant worms, magical creatures and more.
We are introduced to a large number of colorful and eccentric characters including Sorin Trinity, goblin Arke, dwarf warrior Solri Amet, Seeker Goriryn Karas and his cousin cartographer Temsen Cartack, elf Abraxas Kain, Poig, warrior and half giant Gyda, Nobleman Malrus Ekan, General Heliodar, and Herald of Light elf Viggo of Andovine.
WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON is a journey into the fantastic of magical beasts, betrayal, vengeance, and war. As Evren begins her trek into the underground world of elves and gods, our heroine will discover deceit and treason are but the starting point to a war between the differing factions of elves, dwarves, and surface worlders.
For fans and readers of the Lord of the Rings™ franchise, and the varying facets of Dungeons and Dragons™, the familiarity is overwhelming down to the names of several characters including Herald of Light Viggo (snicker). The premise is detailed and complex-the world building is intricate, comprehensive and familiar; the characters are numerous, rich and often recognizable.
www.thereadingcafe.com
March 10, 2022
"In the darkest nights and in the blackest shadows, light shines the brightest. If I'm to find it, it'll be here."
In "Where the Shadows Beckon", Evren, a half-elven huntress, gets dragged into an unexpected quest far below the surface, in the caverns under the Dwarven fortress Dirn-Darahl. Along with her band of unlikely strangers, she is set on a seemingly simple task — to catch an escaped prisoner conspiring to overthrow the Dwarven king. Yet what she finds below the surface may change the course of her life forever.
I adored Grant's worldbuilding. While there are some tropes you would expect from a world that has been intertwined with Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, that works to the book's advantage. The battles don't drag out for ages, and the long rests allow for space to breathe. It may be strange but I really appreciated Evren admitting that she's really, /really/ bad at planning. I've read a few too many books with perfect protagonists who always plan for every contingency, and here it really does feel like the success of a plan hands in the hands that hold the D20.
There was some worry that setting the book completely in the caverns may get dull as there is little variation to the biome. However, Grant created some intriguing worlds underground and kept it far from getting boring.
Very much looking forward to the sequel, as well as more of Grant's writing in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gillian Grant for the arc.
In "Where the Shadows Beckon", Evren, a half-elven huntress, gets dragged into an unexpected quest far below the surface, in the caverns under the Dwarven fortress Dirn-Darahl. Along with her band of unlikely strangers, she is set on a seemingly simple task — to catch an escaped prisoner conspiring to overthrow the Dwarven king. Yet what she finds below the surface may change the course of her life forever.
I adored Grant's worldbuilding. While there are some tropes you would expect from a world that has been intertwined with Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, that works to the book's advantage. The battles don't drag out for ages, and the long rests allow for space to breathe. It may be strange but I really appreciated Evren admitting that she's really, /really/ bad at planning. I've read a few too many books with perfect protagonists who always plan for every contingency, and here it really does feel like the success of a plan hands in the hands that hold the D20.
There was some worry that setting the book completely in the caverns may get dull as there is little variation to the biome. However, Grant created some intriguing worlds underground and kept it far from getting boring.
Very much looking forward to the sequel, as well as more of Grant's writing in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and Gillian Grant for the arc.
May 14, 2022
If I hadn't been told that this was a debut novel I would have thought it was from a well established author. This book was excellent. The blurb is pretty good so I won't go over the story...I don't want to give anything away. So, if you like fantasy I highly recommend this book.
I'm patiently, ok not so patiently, waiting for the next one.
If you pick it up I hope you like it as much as I did.
Happy reading!
I'm patiently, ok not so patiently, waiting for the next one.
If you pick it up I hope you like it as much as I did.
Happy reading!
January 16, 2022
I’m so happy I received this e-ARC to review because, oh boy, it was AMAZING. Gillian Grant is one of my new favorite authors!!
If you like D&D, then you’re going to like this book. Period. And if you don’t, but enjoy fantasy and a great story, then you should still pick this up! It’s got a lot of LotR vibes that most fantasy lovers would enjoy.
The writing is amazing, descriptive and engaging while not being too complex to follow. Which, I mean, if this is her debut book and the writing is already this good?? I have no doubt she’s going to collect a following very soon. The plot’s got action, betrayals, adventures, political intrigue, and more. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t be bothered to pay attention to politics in my world but give me a fantasy setting with supernatural races and dangerous monsters? Then I’m hooked.
Grant starts the story off with a bang and keeps going at a nice pace in which I never felt like the story was lagging. I truly felt like I was on an adventure of my own throughout this book and it was such a wonderful feeling. I laughed, my heart raced, and at one point I actually full-out ugly-cried. I honestly prefer this to D&D podcasts or streams and I love those.
But my favorite part by far of this book was the characters. I usually have 1-2 characters that I love in a book and while I still had my favorites here, I can genuinely say that I cared for each and every character in Evren’s (the MC) party. I left the book craving to know more and more about each and every one of them ❤️ A lot of that had to do with not only great personalities, but also their remarkable character growth.
I can keep gushing and gushing about this book because I loved it that much but I’ll just say, if you haven’t read it, GO READ IT. And then go review it!! I want as many people to find out about this as possible!!
Read this book if you like:
🏹 D&D
🧙 Fantastical races like elves, dwarves, giants, and more
🦴 Underground cities
☀️ Monsters and the big baddies that fight them
🗺 Political intrigue where you’re trying to keep up with who’s lying and who’s not
🌊 Adventure
⛓ Found family
🐛 Good writing!!
PS. The emojis are clues about all of my favorite characters.
If you like D&D, then you’re going to like this book. Period. And if you don’t, but enjoy fantasy and a great story, then you should still pick this up! It’s got a lot of LotR vibes that most fantasy lovers would enjoy.
The writing is amazing, descriptive and engaging while not being too complex to follow. Which, I mean, if this is her debut book and the writing is already this good?? I have no doubt she’s going to collect a following very soon. The plot’s got action, betrayals, adventures, political intrigue, and more. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can’t be bothered to pay attention to politics in my world but give me a fantasy setting with supernatural races and dangerous monsters? Then I’m hooked.
Grant starts the story off with a bang and keeps going at a nice pace in which I never felt like the story was lagging. I truly felt like I was on an adventure of my own throughout this book and it was such a wonderful feeling. I laughed, my heart raced, and at one point I actually full-out ugly-cried. I honestly prefer this to D&D podcasts or streams and I love those.
But my favorite part by far of this book was the characters. I usually have 1-2 characters that I love in a book and while I still had my favorites here, I can genuinely say that I cared for each and every character in Evren’s (the MC) party. I left the book craving to know more and more about each and every one of them ❤️ A lot of that had to do with not only great personalities, but also their remarkable character growth.
I can keep gushing and gushing about this book because I loved it that much but I’ll just say, if you haven’t read it, GO READ IT. And then go review it!! I want as many people to find out about this as possible!!
Read this book if you like:
🏹 D&D
🧙 Fantastical races like elves, dwarves, giants, and more
🦴 Underground cities
☀️ Monsters and the big baddies that fight them
🗺 Political intrigue where you’re trying to keep up with who’s lying and who’s not
🌊 Adventure
⛓ Found family
🐛 Good writing!!
PS. The emojis are clues about all of my favorite characters.
January 4, 2022
"The quiet that followed the deafening cry was far from silent."-From Where the Shadows Beckon
2.5 stars
This opened with a bang, and the hits kept coming. It does have a very fast pace. You are thrown into a world, being told everything that's happening rather than showing, and not anything was really being explained. I couldn't get into it at all until it was sixty percent or so into it. There are quite a few clunky sentences, or ones that don't really make sense, like the one I quoted. This would be a great pick if you like a fast plot with some twists, and I think if you like DD, but if you need character development and solid world building you might want to pass.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
2.5 stars
This opened with a bang, and the hits kept coming. It does have a very fast pace. You are thrown into a world, being told everything that's happening rather than showing, and not anything was really being explained. I couldn't get into it at all until it was sixty percent or so into it. There are quite a few clunky sentences, or ones that don't really make sense, like the one I quoted. This would be a great pick if you like a fast plot with some twists, and I think if you like DD, but if you need character development and solid world building you might want to pass.
Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2021
As a big fan of the fantasy genre, this book was right my alley and I’m glad I got the opportunity to be among the first people to read this new author. By the end of this book, I can very safely say that Gillian Grant you have earned yourself a new fan.
I found the cover intriguing right away. It depicts the mystery and secrecy of the characters involved in the story. Creating a new world with a host of characters involved and each having a rich background is daunting at best but Gillian Grant has done a fantastic job.
The details and imagery of Eith are easily conjured in the mind’s eye and if you’re like me you will find yourself invested in each character’s fate.
Evren, Arke, Gyda, Abraxas, all start out as loners as you will see through insight into their backstories. Sorin is far from his home and Sol is wrongfully accused and imprisoned in the territory they all meet up with.
The thrills begin right away building into a story scape of suspicions and conspiracy. The ensemble comes together in survival and ends up being sent off on a quest to discover the culprits behind the chaos that brings the lot together. What follows is an action-packed adventure that teaches the six of them more about each other and they learn even more about themselves and their pasts.
I’m so glad that I was able to read about the first part of their journey together and with the excerpt of the second book it looks like the history of the 6 explorers is going to tie into one explosive and epic saga. And I can wait to be a part of it.
Advanced review copy provided for voluntary review consideration.
I found the cover intriguing right away. It depicts the mystery and secrecy of the characters involved in the story. Creating a new world with a host of characters involved and each having a rich background is daunting at best but Gillian Grant has done a fantastic job.
The details and imagery of Eith are easily conjured in the mind’s eye and if you’re like me you will find yourself invested in each character’s fate.
Evren, Arke, Gyda, Abraxas, all start out as loners as you will see through insight into their backstories. Sorin is far from his home and Sol is wrongfully accused and imprisoned in the territory they all meet up with.
The thrills begin right away building into a story scape of suspicions and conspiracy. The ensemble comes together in survival and ends up being sent off on a quest to discover the culprits behind the chaos that brings the lot together. What follows is an action-packed adventure that teaches the six of them more about each other and they learn even more about themselves and their pasts.
I’m so glad that I was able to read about the first part of their journey together and with the excerpt of the second book it looks like the history of the 6 explorers is going to tie into one explosive and epic saga. And I can wait to be a part of it.
Advanced review copy provided for voluntary review consideration.
Read
January 4, 2022WHERE THE SHADOWS BECKON.
The debut book of Gillian Grant and she is off to a great start with this Fantasy novel. It’s an unlikely quest that comes about for a group of strangers, who made it through one dangerous journey that originally brings them together. Elves, dwarves, goblins and magic bring this unlikely group together. At times it lagged just a bit with the descriptions but overall a really great action packed adventure read. Looking forward to book two.
The debut book of Gillian Grant and she is off to a great start with this Fantasy novel. It’s an unlikely quest that comes about for a group of strangers, who made it through one dangerous journey that originally brings them together. Elves, dwarves, goblins and magic bring this unlikely group together. At times it lagged just a bit with the descriptions but overall a really great action packed adventure read. Looking forward to book two.
January 4, 2022
Caves are dark and full of surprises.
This was good. I really wasn't in the mood for epic fantasy when I got this (via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has influenced my opinion not at all), but the story started out with a bang and sucked me right in. I will absolutely buy the next book, and I hope to find more back story on the characters.
This was good. I really wasn't in the mood for epic fantasy when I got this (via a Goodreads giveaway, for which many thanks, and which has influenced my opinion not at all), but the story started out with a bang and sucked me right in. I will absolutely buy the next book, and I hope to find more back story on the characters.
Want to read
January 8, 2022Just finished reading a Court of Thornes and Roses series and looking forward to finding some other solid fantasy fiction to read. Fantasy and historical fiction were my favorites growing up. Just won this on a Giveaway and looking forward to reading it on this snow day! I will update my review once I am done reading it.
January 8, 2022
wow!
What a world. Each character is written with a great personality that Incant wait to read more about.
Can’t wait to see he world evolve. Where is the loss child and does that mystery being have anything to do with her?
What a world. Each character is written with a great personality that Incant wait to read more about.
Can’t wait to see he world evolve. Where is the loss child and does that mystery being have anything to do with her?
January 4, 2022
Excellent read
Two thumbs up. Exciting and an eye for detail. Love the fantasy world. My grandchildren will also love this book.😁
Two thumbs up. Exciting and an eye for detail. Love the fantasy world. My grandchildren will also love this book.😁
January 4, 2022
I Loved it!! What a great first book in a series. I can not wait for the next one. I’m hooked !!
January 4, 2022
This is an amazing breakout novel by a talented, new author on the scene. It was 100% enjoyable & is 100% recommend. I can't wait until book 2.
Kudos Gillian Grant, kudos!!
Kudos Gillian Grant, kudos!!
December 28, 2021
Where the Shadows Beckon is a Fantasy you won't want to miss. I was drawn in from the first chapter by the characters, character interactions, world building, and the adventure of it all. An epic journey into the unknown. Gilligan Grant is a very talented writer. I look forward to book 2 as well as her future books.
December 22, 2021
This book was riveting. Such a diverse set of characters placed in a world so incredibly different than any I have read about before. Goblins, humans, guzzlers, elves and so much more. The massive worm is enough to give me bad dreams and probably will. I loved this story. I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and freely leave this honest review.
December 21, 2021
I received an ARC of this book. I wasn't sure what to expect but was drawn into the story and had to read it all in one sitting! Great start for a new author. I pre-ordered all the books and I'm impatiently waiting for them all. Thanks Gillian Grant for a new fantasy world to enjoy!!!
April 7, 2022
Thanks to Gillian for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I do love a debut, especially with a new fantasy series. There’s so much room for potential and excitement. I’d love to write a fantasy novel - and have actually started one - but the organisation it requires, and that Gillian must have to keep on top of everything, is impressive.
There is no messing about; we get straight into the action within the first two chapters, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Having said that, after the first few chapters, I found it got a little bit more “tell the reader what’s going on rather than show them”, which made it a little stop/start. There were some scenes a little drawn out, and others not long enough, which did affect the pacing slightly, but that didn’t stop it being thoroughly enjoyable. From about 15% of the way in, it becomes full on fantasy, exciting, fast, human (even amongst elves and goblins), fun, loving, hurtful, sad. It really grabs you in its hand and then you must get to the end.
Overall, I found this a very promising debut with hopefully much, much more to come.
I do love a debut, especially with a new fantasy series. There’s so much room for potential and excitement. I’d love to write a fantasy novel - and have actually started one - but the organisation it requires, and that Gillian must have to keep on top of everything, is impressive.
There is no messing about; we get straight into the action within the first two chapters, putting you right in the heart of the action.
Having said that, after the first few chapters, I found it got a little bit more “tell the reader what’s going on rather than show them”, which made it a little stop/start. There were some scenes a little drawn out, and others not long enough, which did affect the pacing slightly, but that didn’t stop it being thoroughly enjoyable. From about 15% of the way in, it becomes full on fantasy, exciting, fast, human (even amongst elves and goblins), fun, loving, hurtful, sad. It really grabs you in its hand and then you must get to the end.
Overall, I found this a very promising debut with hopefully much, much more to come.
December 30, 2021
Where the Shadows Beckon is the debut novel of Gillian Grant. It's one of those fantasy novels immediately grabbed my attention while browsing up-and-coming fantasy novels. I knew right away this book had to make my list.
Evren Hanali is an elven hunter who has seen much in her days. But very little of her past could prepare her for the adventure she is about to find herself on. And it all starts with the need for a night of rest.
That need put an unlikely group together, resulting in their downward plunge into...unexpected events, mayhem, and a fight for something larger than themselves.
So, can we just take a minute to talk about how beautiful the cover is for Where the Shadows Beckon? I'm in love. If I'm being honest, the cover is half the reason I stopped to learn more about this book! Gotta love it when that happens.
Where the Shadows Beckon reads very much like a classical fantasy adventure. It starts off with a strong character (one who prefers her solitude, mind you), and then destiny suddenly intervenes. Now she's working with multiple fantasy races to survive and save the day.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel, as it felt like there was always something happening. That made it easy to stay invested in Evren and the quest she found herself on.
Overall, I would say that Where the Shadows Beckon was a fun and worthwhile read. It had a compelling plot, intriguing characters, and a ton of action and adventure. I'm even happier to note that more books will follow this one, hopefully in the near future.
Thanks to and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Evren Hanali is an elven hunter who has seen much in her days. But very little of her past could prepare her for the adventure she is about to find herself on. And it all starts with the need for a night of rest.
That need put an unlikely group together, resulting in their downward plunge into...unexpected events, mayhem, and a fight for something larger than themselves.
So, can we just take a minute to talk about how beautiful the cover is for Where the Shadows Beckon? I'm in love. If I'm being honest, the cover is half the reason I stopped to learn more about this book! Gotta love it when that happens.
Where the Shadows Beckon reads very much like a classical fantasy adventure. It starts off with a strong character (one who prefers her solitude, mind you), and then destiny suddenly intervenes. Now she's working with multiple fantasy races to survive and save the day.
I really enjoyed the pacing of this novel, as it felt like there was always something happening. That made it easy to stay invested in Evren and the quest she found herself on.
Overall, I would say that Where the Shadows Beckon was a fun and worthwhile read. It had a compelling plot, intriguing characters, and a ton of action and adventure. I'm even happier to note that more books will follow this one, hopefully in the near future.
Thanks to and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Read more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
January 18, 2022
Evren Hanali is a half-human, half- elf hunter. She left her homeland, making her way alone in the world hunter monsters for coin.
Sorin Trinity is a Vasa from the Borealis Sea. He has a gifted voice and he's never silent for very long. On his travels he saved Arke a goblin with a gift of written magic and now they travel the world together.
Abraxas Kain and Gyda were hired to look into the arrest and imprisonment of Solri Amet, the lead architect and designer of the city. Gyda descended from the Giants and is a bad ass fighter. Abraxas Kain is a disillusioned soldier of the Light who lost his magic and his way and is looking to find new purpose, while doing odd jobs with Gyda.
This first in series introduces a diverse band of people that end up being pulled together for an assignment to retrieve escaped prisoners, not realizing it's the beginning of something more for each of them.
It's an interesting tale, with characters that have their own interesting backstory. The author tantalizes and teases with each of the characters backstory and the hint that Evren is more than she knows and will become a catalyst in the future. There's magic, action and adventure while getting to know each of them.
This is only the beginning of their story, and while I don't know where they're going next, I can't wait to read the next installment.
For more of my reviews follow my blog at https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/
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Sorin Trinity is a Vasa from the Borealis Sea. He has a gifted voice and he's never silent for very long. On his travels he saved Arke a goblin with a gift of written magic and now they travel the world together.
Abraxas Kain and Gyda were hired to look into the arrest and imprisonment of Solri Amet, the lead architect and designer of the city. Gyda descended from the Giants and is a bad ass fighter. Abraxas Kain is a disillusioned soldier of the Light who lost his magic and his way and is looking to find new purpose, while doing odd jobs with Gyda.
This first in series introduces a diverse band of people that end up being pulled together for an assignment to retrieve escaped prisoners, not realizing it's the beginning of something more for each of them.
It's an interesting tale, with characters that have their own interesting backstory. The author tantalizes and teases with each of the characters backstory and the hint that Evren is more than she knows and will become a catalyst in the future. There's magic, action and adventure while getting to know each of them.
This is only the beginning of their story, and while I don't know where they're going next, I can't wait to read the next installment.
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June 18, 2022
I found Where the Shadows Beckon well written and fun. The pacing is quick, but steady and well balanced with a good mixture (and variety) of action scenes counterbalanced by character interactions and narrative scenes.
The characters themselves are likable with strong individuality despite their number, and generally have good chemistry. (Their interactions, and several other elements/scenes of the book, have a distinct D&D feel, which may off put some readers.) Evren is a solid lead character with many scenes of competence but also moments where she makes mistakes or fails. Her personal narrative of being a loner/desiring to remain out of the spotlight is present but slightly underserved in the narrative, largely because she's ultimately the driving force behind the party finally unifying (its part of her character arc, so not in a contradictory way) but that character arch isn't granted the depth is merits. Her transition from loner is almost entirely internal (no external interactions with her companions to affect it) and didn't cause or necessitate any external action ( I.E a situation where she is forced to trust her companions to do something or with informations despite her predisposition to not do so.) This results in the character arch lacking a rewarding pay off, or compelling cost from situations where she fails to fulfill it. The same is true for her desire to remain outside of the spotlight, though that narrative is largely absent from the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot (delving deep beneath the worlds surface into unexplored territories without any external lifeline where you have next to zero information about the environment is both compelling and wonderfully thematic.) As the narrative progresses though, I did grow somewhat fatigued with the constant reversals and subversions and betrayals.
The characters themselves are likable with strong individuality despite their number, and generally have good chemistry. (Their interactions, and several other elements/scenes of the book, have a distinct D&D feel, which may off put some readers.) Evren is a solid lead character with many scenes of competence but also moments where she makes mistakes or fails. Her personal narrative of being a loner/desiring to remain out of the spotlight is present but slightly underserved in the narrative, largely because she's ultimately the driving force behind the party finally unifying (its part of her character arc, so not in a contradictory way) but that character arch isn't granted the depth is merits. Her transition from loner is almost entirely internal (no external interactions with her companions to affect it) and didn't cause or necessitate any external action ( I.E a situation where she is forced to trust her companions to do something or with informations despite her predisposition to not do so.) This results in the character arch lacking a rewarding pay off, or compelling cost from situations where she fails to fulfill it. The same is true for her desire to remain outside of the spotlight, though that narrative is largely absent from the story.
I thoroughly enjoyed the plot (delving deep beneath the worlds surface into unexplored territories without any external lifeline where you have next to zero information about the environment is both compelling and wonderfully thematic.) As the narrative progresses though, I did grow somewhat fatigued with the constant reversals and subversions and betrayals.
January 17, 2022
Sometimes you come across a book where you get sucked into the story, the characters and the world that has been crafted. In this case Gillian Grant managed to pull me in from the start with a main character who's not perfect and a bit of a solo player, but after being forced into an adventure with a ragtag crew learns to understand the value of friendship and teamwork. I liked the different races and places that were described so I could easily imagine it all in my mind. Enough questions remain for a next book and I can't wait to leave the underground city of the dwarves and see what the surface world looks like!
This is a debut novel and while it might show at times in the writing I was enjoying the book too much to be bothered by it.
I highly recommend this one for everyone who likes a good fast-paced adventure with dwarves, goblins, elves, half elves and giants and can live with maybe a little less depth in the character department. Believe me, it's worth it!
***Thank you Netgalley and Gillian Grant for giving me this book to read and review***
This is a debut novel and while it might show at times in the writing I was enjoying the book too much to be bothered by it.
I highly recommend this one for everyone who likes a good fast-paced adventure with dwarves, goblins, elves, half elves and giants and can live with maybe a little less depth in the character department. Believe me, it's worth it!
***Thank you Netgalley and Gillian Grant for giving me this book to read and review***
September 16, 2022
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: Where The Shadows Beckon
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Gillian Grant
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
"Where the Shadows Beckon" penned by the author Gillian Grant is the first installment in the Blood of Eith book series.
The main character of the story is a hunter, half-elf Evren Hanali. Evren earns money by hunting. Once she gave the worg head to the dwarf and took her commission. Evren stayed in the underground city Dirn-Darahl temporarily. There she met a Vasa Sorin Trinity. Sorin has a friend named Arke. Together they visited the different levels of the massive city. Read this story to know how Arse will save Evren's life.
Gillian has done great work in this debut book. Those who enjoy reading fantasy fiction should get their hands on this one. It is a riveting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are written well and I enjoyed reading about them. Go for it without any second thoughts.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Gillian Grant
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
"Where the Shadows Beckon" penned by the author Gillian Grant is the first installment in the Blood of Eith book series.
The main character of the story is a hunter, half-elf Evren Hanali. Evren earns money by hunting. Once she gave the worg head to the dwarf and took her commission. Evren stayed in the underground city Dirn-Darahl temporarily. There she met a Vasa Sorin Trinity. Sorin has a friend named Arke. Together they visited the different levels of the massive city. Read this story to know how Arse will save Evren's life.
Gillian has done great work in this debut book. Those who enjoy reading fantasy fiction should get their hands on this one. It is a riveting tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are written well and I enjoyed reading about them. Go for it without any second thoughts.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
September 17, 2022
I love reading fantasy fiction. This time I got my hands on the debut book of the author Gillian Grant. 'Where the Shadow Beckon' is a captivating story that hooked my attention from the first page itself. The story is full of different magical creatures like dwarves, elves, goblins, etc.
Story features a half-elf Evren who got dragged into the quest to the dwarven city Dirn-Darahl. She had to catch an escaped prisoner conspiring to overthrow the Dwarven king. It was amazing to see Evren working with multiple fantasy races. Sorin Trinity and Arke are interesting characters. I enjoyed reading about them.
I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating this fantasy world. The pace of the story is fast and I wasn't bored anytime while reading this book. If you are looking for an escape from reality then get your hands on this book. The storytelling skills of the author are amazing. I am curious to read the next book in the series.
Story features a half-elf Evren who got dragged into the quest to the dwarven city Dirn-Darahl. She had to catch an escaped prisoner conspiring to overthrow the Dwarven king. It was amazing to see Evren working with multiple fantasy races. Sorin Trinity and Arke are interesting characters. I enjoyed reading about them.
I appreciate the vivid imagination of the author in creating this fantasy world. The pace of the story is fast and I wasn't bored anytime while reading this book. If you are looking for an escape from reality then get your hands on this book. The storytelling skills of the author are amazing. I am curious to read the next book in the series.
September 19, 2022
Where the Shadows Beckon
By
Gillian Grant
Review:
Evren Hanali is the main focus of this story. She works on a commission basis and lives a lonely life. But fate has another plan for her. She went on a quest to find, capture, and return a criminal to Dirn Dahrahl, an underground city with five levels.
The story pulled me in totally and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed meeting different characters in the story. It's a bit of a lengthy book and I binge read it. You will meet characters with natural magic and learned magic. Abraxas, Gyda, Arke, Sorin Trinity are some of the characters. There are others as well. If you like stories with huge cast of characters then pick this one.
I have a great time reading this book. Those who enjoy reading novels with quest, magic, action, different magical creatures should get their hands on this book. After finishing this book, I am quite curious to read "WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES".
Rating: 5/5
By
Gillian Grant
Review:
Evren Hanali is the main focus of this story. She works on a commission basis and lives a lonely life. But fate has another plan for her. She went on a quest to find, capture, and return a criminal to Dirn Dahrahl, an underground city with five levels.
The story pulled me in totally and I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed meeting different characters in the story. It's a bit of a lengthy book and I binge read it. You will meet characters with natural magic and learned magic. Abraxas, Gyda, Arke, Sorin Trinity are some of the characters. There are others as well. If you like stories with huge cast of characters then pick this one.
I have a great time reading this book. Those who enjoy reading novels with quest, magic, action, different magical creatures should get their hands on this book. After finishing this book, I am quite curious to read "WHERE THE NIGHT CONSUMES".
Rating: 5/5
December 24, 2021
I would like to thank Gillian for the advance copy, in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading this book, I thought it read like someone turned a D&D campaign into a novel; upon reading the acknowledgement at the end of the book, it seems she was very inspired by her game and sort of did just that. So this book is definitely for fans of RPG-style characters and storytelling.
This is a fun, fast-paced novel with a lot of twists and turns. I definitely didn't see all of the twists coming. That said, I wanted to know more about the characters. I wanted to care about them, and really be rooting for them and believe in what they did and why they did it. The world was well developed (although I did want more about the magic systems), and I wish the characters had been as well.
3.5 stars.
When I started reading this book, I thought it read like someone turned a D&D campaign into a novel; upon reading the acknowledgement at the end of the book, it seems she was very inspired by her game and sort of did just that. So this book is definitely for fans of RPG-style characters and storytelling.
This is a fun, fast-paced novel with a lot of twists and turns. I definitely didn't see all of the twists coming. That said, I wanted to know more about the characters. I wanted to care about them, and really be rooting for them and believe in what they did and why they did it. The world was well developed (although I did want more about the magic systems), and I wish the characters had been as well.
3.5 stars.
January 20, 2023
A deep character-driven book that delves into the shadows that beckon within us. Evren was always a solitary person, for a good reason, but soon she is thrust into a venture with unlikely friends and learns to lean a little on them. This is a fast-paced debut novel that I really enjoyed. This story had a unique and easy plot, but I really liked the ventures in it. The Yawning Deep is mysterious and for these voyagers, dangerous and enlightening.
Powerful people make the masses believe something that isn't true is one of those tropes I enjoy. I didn’t feel as invested in the characters as I wanted until well beyond 65%, but that’s okay. It was like a slow burn investment that becons me to read the next book. Beckon really is such a lovely word I over used since the title ‘beckons’ for it ha
Powerful people make the masses believe something that isn't true is one of those tropes I enjoy. I didn’t feel as invested in the characters as I wanted until well beyond 65%, but that’s okay. It was like a slow burn investment that becons me to read the next book. Beckon really is such a lovely word I over used since the title ‘beckons’ for it ha
January 4, 2022
Where the Shadows Beckon is the first book I have read and I think the first book written by Gillian Grant. At least the first published book. Strictly a fantasy book with an intriguing main character, Evren, it is also an intriguing read as a whole. The world building is sound. While the author has room for growth this is an impressive debut.
The characters who join Evren are just as interesting especially with some hidden agendas. Still friendships are developed, destinies are beginning to be shown and a shared mission to be accomplished. A thumbs up to this newly published author.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters who join Evren are just as interesting especially with some hidden agendas. Still friendships are developed, destinies are beginning to be shown and a shared mission to be accomplished. A thumbs up to this newly published author.
The publisher/author gave me a complimentary ARC of the book which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 10, 2022
This book was so good. It does not read as a debut novel. You would think someone with dozens of books published wrote this.
We start with the MC, Evren, just wanting to rest after her latest hunt. But falling down a lift kinda got in the way. After a little adventure with other survivors, Evren thinks she's finally gonna get that rest. But nope, she's asked to join a group that is tasked with finding someone that can clear another of the group members names. Evren doesn't want to except the invite but after meeting a shadowy figure in a back alley she changes her mind.
A half elf, a human, a goblin, an elf, and a dwarf walk into a bar..................and leave on an adventure through a giant worm burrow.
I hope you like this book as much as I did.
We start with the MC, Evren, just wanting to rest after her latest hunt. But falling down a lift kinda got in the way. After a little adventure with other survivors, Evren thinks she's finally gonna get that rest. But nope, she's asked to join a group that is tasked with finding someone that can clear another of the group members names. Evren doesn't want to except the invite but after meeting a shadowy figure in a back alley she changes her mind.
A half elf, a human, a goblin, an elf, and a dwarf walk into a bar..................and leave on an adventure through a giant worm burrow.
I hope you like this book as much as I did.
December 10, 2021
⭐️⭐️
I read this as a voluntary ARC for review.
I really struggled to get through this book. I found myself really having a hard time tracking some of the action scenes especially in the first quarter of the book. Once I reach 50% of the book I found I was more interested and there were plot twists that really took me by surprise. Although there were definitely sections of chapters that I was not a fan of. I also felt that the chapters were incredibly long and I wish they had been broken up better. There certainly were some unanswered questions and cliff hangers that I appreciated and left me hanging!
I read this as a voluntary ARC for review.
I really struggled to get through this book. I found myself really having a hard time tracking some of the action scenes especially in the first quarter of the book. Once I reach 50% of the book I found I was more interested and there were plot twists that really took me by surprise. Although there were definitely sections of chapters that I was not a fan of. I also felt that the chapters were incredibly long and I wish they had been broken up better. There certainly were some unanswered questions and cliff hangers that I appreciated and left me hanging!
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