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The Light and Shadow Chronicles #2
The Shield Of Soren
Young Soren is the apprentice of legendary warrior, Raven Lennox. At the age of sixteen, Soren is expected to fight in the eternal war against the Brotherhood of Shadow - but he seems to be more interested in mischief than battle. When one of Soren's adventures goes off course, he accidentally unleashes a deadly threat. As an age-old prophecy comes to pass, Soren must take a perilous journey deep into enemy territory. But does he have what it takes to save the realm, or will the Brotherhood destroy everything he loves?
374 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2022
About the author
D.M. Cain
21 books494 followersD.M. Cain is a dystopian and fantasy author working for Creativia Publishing. The Light and Shadow Chronicles series features a range of books which can be read in any order. The series instalments to date include A Chronicle of Chaos, The Shield of Soren, Genesis of Light and Origin of Shadow.
Cain has released one stand-alone novel: The Phoenix Project, a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future. The Phoenix Project was the winner of the 2016 Kindle Book Review Sci-Fi novel Award.
Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her partner and two young children, and spends her time reading, writing, reviewing and indulging in geek culture (Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy).
Cain has released one stand-alone novel: The Phoenix Project, a psychological thriller set in a dystopian future. The Phoenix Project was the winner of the 2016 Kindle Book Review Sci-Fi novel Award.
Cain lives in Leicestershire, UK with her partner and two young children, and spends her time reading, writing, reviewing and indulging in geek culture (Marvel, Game of Thrones, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Final Fantasy).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 23, 2017
Soren is determined to be one of the greatest warriors of the Children of Light. High aspirations for a 10 year old, but this young prince has plenty of promise.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read in Cain's Light and Shadow Chronicles. I was a bit apprehensive coming in at the second book in a series that spans millennia, with angels and demons etc; but it all works really well.
Shield of Soren is a very solid book that tells of the start of Soren's story, and sets the scene with his immortal family and the battle between the Children of Light and the Brotherhood of Shadows. It works well enough as a stand-alone, but the way it ends feels like a platform for what happens next.
I was also cautious about reading a book with a central character who is only 10 years old, because I don't like children, they're horrible little creatures, and I wondered whether this would be aimed at kiddies.
Rest assured, this is not a kiddie book.
The opening scene establishes that.
Enter some crazy scientists, working on genetic mutations and viruses, who are void of ethics. Nobody is beyond torture - I mean testing. Even strange young girls and their own children are subject to their cruelty.
The rest of the book carries on as a family adventure, as Soren sets out on a mission with his older brothers and mother.
I really liked how these relatives were real people with real problems. You often find that when the central character is so young, anyone out of that generation is just a token character.
The Shield of Soren gives a whole cast of well-rounded characters with tonnes of history between them. And I liked that it was a team effort involving them all, rather than Soren leading the way and saving the day, it made it much more realistic.
The plot is fairly predictable, but enjoyable. I got the feeling throughout the book that it was setting up the foundation for something bigger.
Which is good, I suppose, Cain has created a really big world with a lot of mythology and history attached. The Shield of Soren is a pleasant way to ease into this bigger story.
I look forward to the rest of the series, and I'm definitely checking out A Chronicle of Chaos!
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have read in Cain's Light and Shadow Chronicles. I was a bit apprehensive coming in at the second book in a series that spans millennia, with angels and demons etc; but it all works really well.
Shield of Soren is a very solid book that tells of the start of Soren's story, and sets the scene with his immortal family and the battle between the Children of Light and the Brotherhood of Shadows. It works well enough as a stand-alone, but the way it ends feels like a platform for what happens next.
I was also cautious about reading a book with a central character who is only 10 years old, because I don't like children, they're horrible little creatures, and I wondered whether this would be aimed at kiddies.
Rest assured, this is not a kiddie book.
The opening scene establishes that.
Enter some crazy scientists, working on genetic mutations and viruses, who are void of ethics. Nobody is beyond torture - I mean testing. Even strange young girls and their own children are subject to their cruelty.
The rest of the book carries on as a family adventure, as Soren sets out on a mission with his older brothers and mother.
I really liked how these relatives were real people with real problems. You often find that when the central character is so young, anyone out of that generation is just a token character.
The Shield of Soren gives a whole cast of well-rounded characters with tonnes of history between them. And I liked that it was a team effort involving them all, rather than Soren leading the way and saving the day, it made it much more realistic.
The plot is fairly predictable, but enjoyable. I got the feeling throughout the book that it was setting up the foundation for something bigger.
Which is good, I suppose, Cain has created a really big world with a lot of mythology and history attached. The Shield of Soren is a pleasant way to ease into this bigger story.
I look forward to the rest of the series, and I'm definitely checking out A Chronicle of Chaos!
March 23, 2017
Interesting, dark fantasy tale full of surprises and magic.
The war between Children of Light and Brotherhood of Shadow seems to never end. But now, Vincent has come across and ultimate, deadly weapon, satisfied that his and Reign´s experiments finally prove worthy. After murdering Freya, Callista´s daughter, the family fell into grief and grew distant to almost each other. Soren, now 10-year-old, copes with the hard situation as a teenager, causing trouble to get attention. When Jade dares him to go and explore an abandoned facility, he accepts without blink of an eye. Accompanied by his brother, he sets off on a journey that should be a child´s game, but turns into more dangerous mission he could ever imagine.
The story was full of drama, danger and surprising twists, with vivid images and electrifying atmosphere. I longed so much to know more I wanted to push the fast forward button - only there was none, and in the middle passage, I started to skip sentences to get further in the story; the descriptions were simply too long for my taste, and I do not feel like I missed something important. On the other side, I very much appreciate the development of the characters, gradual uncovering of their motives and learning about the triggers of their acts and behavior. All of them were truly realistic, easily distinguishable and true to their natures, responding believably to all situations.
This piece brought fresh air to my library, and I am thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC. I voluntarily decided to post a review.
The war between Children of Light and Brotherhood of Shadow seems to never end. But now, Vincent has come across and ultimate, deadly weapon, satisfied that his and Reign´s experiments finally prove worthy. After murdering Freya, Callista´s daughter, the family fell into grief and grew distant to almost each other. Soren, now 10-year-old, copes with the hard situation as a teenager, causing trouble to get attention. When Jade dares him to go and explore an abandoned facility, he accepts without blink of an eye. Accompanied by his brother, he sets off on a journey that should be a child´s game, but turns into more dangerous mission he could ever imagine.
The story was full of drama, danger and surprising twists, with vivid images and electrifying atmosphere. I longed so much to know more I wanted to push the fast forward button - only there was none, and in the middle passage, I started to skip sentences to get further in the story; the descriptions were simply too long for my taste, and I do not feel like I missed something important. On the other side, I very much appreciate the development of the characters, gradual uncovering of their motives and learning about the triggers of their acts and behavior. All of them were truly realistic, easily distinguishable and true to their natures, responding believably to all situations.
This piece brought fresh air to my library, and I am thankful for the opportunity to read the ARC. I voluntarily decided to post a review.
March 19, 2017
The Soul Attraction
I received this book for a free and voluntarily review.
Do you believe everybody's path in life has been predetermined? That there are signs all around of what's to come if only you pay close enough attention? Soren Nitaya, son of Callista ruler of Children of Light, at the tender age of ten, is going to find out. Who can he trust, does good always triumph over evil and when drawn to something will he try to reach it no matter the price? Even if the Brotherhood of Shadows (his family's arch enemy) stands in his way? Will Soren meet his fate or die trying?
Hint: Heaven sent but hell bound - do you believe in angels?
I received this book for a free and voluntarily review.
Do you believe everybody's path in life has been predetermined? That there are signs all around of what's to come if only you pay close enough attention? Soren Nitaya, son of Callista ruler of Children of Light, at the tender age of ten, is going to find out. Who can he trust, does good always triumph over evil and when drawn to something will he try to reach it no matter the price? Even if the Brotherhood of Shadows (his family's arch enemy) stands in his way? Will Soren meet his fate or die trying?
Hint: Heaven sent but hell bound - do you believe in angels?
March 23, 2017
An amazing, fast paced read, that has you wanting more. Soren is a super kid of only ten years old, but he needs to change as he is the youngest soldier yet. Fantastic fantasy read, enjoyed reviewing this ARC.
March 19, 2017
Amazing fantasy read!
This a great fast-paced fantasy. The characters, even the secondary ones are interesting and well-drawn. Definitely will read more by this author.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
This a great fast-paced fantasy. The characters, even the secondary ones are interesting and well-drawn. Definitely will read more by this author.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
May 1, 2017
The Shield of Soren is the second book in what is planned to be an epic series. We were introduced to some of the characters in the first one, A Chronicle of Chaos.
Chronologically, Soren takes place before Chaos, but as it’ll be possible to read the entire series in any order, it’s a seamless transition from one book to the next.
While supernatural and fantasy elements make their presence felt – particularly towards the end – this storyline focuses on a period in the Matriarch of The Children Of Light, Callista Nienna’s life when she is married to her fourth husband, Kham Nitaya. It tells of the family’s desperate race against time as they try to save ten-year-old Soren from a dreadful fate following an encounter with the Children Of Light’s sworn enemies The Brotherhood Of Shadow.
With well developed characters and a solid, exciting plot, D.M. Cain’s skilful writing takes us on a family journey of ties and relationships, grief, love and loss. Oh, and don’t forget the violence, blood and pain that characterise this author’s work in her previous novel in this series, and her brilliant stand-alone debut novel The Phoenix Project.
This is a must for fantasy lovers, and I hope the next book in the series isn’t too long coming.
Chronologically, Soren takes place before Chaos, but as it’ll be possible to read the entire series in any order, it’s a seamless transition from one book to the next.
While supernatural and fantasy elements make their presence felt – particularly towards the end – this storyline focuses on a period in the Matriarch of The Children Of Light, Callista Nienna’s life when she is married to her fourth husband, Kham Nitaya. It tells of the family’s desperate race against time as they try to save ten-year-old Soren from a dreadful fate following an encounter with the Children Of Light’s sworn enemies The Brotherhood Of Shadow.
With well developed characters and a solid, exciting plot, D.M. Cain’s skilful writing takes us on a family journey of ties and relationships, grief, love and loss. Oh, and don’t forget the violence, blood and pain that characterise this author’s work in her previous novel in this series, and her brilliant stand-alone debut novel The Phoenix Project.
This is a must for fantasy lovers, and I hope the next book in the series isn’t too long coming.
May 9, 2017
The Shield of Soren by D.M. Cain is an adventure tale in a fantasy world that could be real. Cain has once again set the stage with good versus evil in way that makes me want more. No spoilers. Read it yourself. You won't be sorry.
January 31, 2018
Simplistic
The plot is juvenile and very predictable. From the beginning you could guess what would happen. None of the actions of the characters made much sense. Very disappointing.
The plot is juvenile and very predictable. From the beginning you could guess what would happen. None of the actions of the characters made much sense. Very disappointing.
April 18, 2021
This book is rather an enjoyable read. The characters are unique and the war is somewhat haunting. I enjoyed the story immensely.
I received from the author in return for an honest review.
I received from the author in return for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews