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Border Magic Series
Inheritance of Shadows
It’s 1919. Matty returns home to the family farm from the trenches only to find his brother Arthur dying of an unknown illness. The local doctor thinks cancer, but Matty becomes convinced it's connected to the mysterious books his brother left strewn around the house.
Rob knows something other than just Arthur’s death is bothering Matty. He’s know him for years and been in love with him just as long. And when he finds something that looks like a gate, a glowing, terrifying doorway to the unknown, it all starts to fall in to place.
Matty’s looking sicker and sicker in the same way Arthur did. What is Rob prepared to sacrifice to save him?
The answer is in the esoteric books…and with the mysterious Lin of the Frem, who lives beyond the gate to nowhere. It’s taken Matty and Rob more than a decade to admit they have feelings for each other and they are determined that neither social expectations or magical illness will part them now.
A stand-alone 35k novella set in the Lost in Time Universe. (The first part of the novella is 'The Gate', the original free short-story that began the universe, that I felt needed expanding).
Rob knows something other than just Arthur’s death is bothering Matty. He’s know him for years and been in love with him just as long. And when he finds something that looks like a gate, a glowing, terrifying doorway to the unknown, it all starts to fall in to place.
Matty’s looking sicker and sicker in the same way Arthur did. What is Rob prepared to sacrifice to save him?
The answer is in the esoteric books…and with the mysterious Lin of the Frem, who lives beyond the gate to nowhere. It’s taken Matty and Rob more than a decade to admit they have feelings for each other and they are determined that neither social expectations or magical illness will part them now.
A stand-alone 35k novella set in the Lost in Time Universe. (The first part of the novella is 'The Gate', the original free short-story that began the universe, that I felt needed expanding).
ebook
Published April 8, 2020
23 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
A.L. Lester
27 books153 followersWriter of queer, paranormal, historical, romantic suspense. Lives in the South West of England with Mr AL, two children, a badly behaved dachshund, a terrifying cat and some hens. Likes gardening but doesn't really have time or energy. Not musical. Doesn't much like telly. Non-binary. Chronically disabled. Has tedious fits.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
For updates, giveaways and general shenanigans: My newsletter and a free novella - my facebook group - twitter - instagram - tiktok.
I also write higher-heat contemporary MM romance as Frances Fox.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 17, 2022
It was a fairly short little story, only about 150 pages. The moral of this story is quickly learned...be careful meddling in things beyond your understanding, even if your intentions are good. Too bad this lesson wasn't learned sooner, but it would have made the story much shorter than it already was. It was one of those stories that could have been built on and gone on forever. Poor Arthur... he really should have thought long and hard before dabbling in the spells contained within a book that he could barely read. Now he's dead of a mysterious wasting disease. . . and he passed it to his sibling before dying. Matty is a good man at heart. He's trying to overcome his WWI trench inflicted PTSD while running his family's land. Not only does he discover the truth of his brother's death but has also found the courage to admit to his feeling for Rob, the man who has worked for his family for years and been his closest friend for ages. He's a common man trying to find his way after experiencing the terrors of the war and now finds that he has stumbled headlong into the reality of a magic that he diffidently doesn't understand or have the talent to perform. Rob is loyal to a point, hardworking, and has loved Matty for as long as he has known him. Gay rights did not exist in 1919 nor was a relationship like this tolerated in English Society of that day. Rob, more than anything just wants what is best for Matty. When Matty returns from the war, his deepest hidden hopes begin to become a reality. Then he sees the man he loves begin to waste away. Rob will do anything to save him. He begins to follow Arthur's magical path, without thinking the consequences through. A. L. Lester has created a wonderfully written short story that answers some questions and leaves us with a new mystery that hopefully will continue on in future books.
June 12, 2023
Very enjoyable! I didn't realize this book was part of a series, but it was fine as a standalone. I had the audiobook, and the narrator, Callum Hale, does a nice job.
January 24, 2021
Audio review:
Performance - 5
Story - 5
Overall - 5
Good story, loved the audio performance.
This is the first book I’ve ready by A. L. Lester and the first audiobook performed by Callum Hale. I really enjoyed the story and I loved Callum Hale’s performance. I found his voice very compelling to listen to and he really brought the story to life for me.
I have to admit that this isn’t my normal type of MM book. I do enjoy historical MM and paranormal MM romance but haven’t read any books that combine the two the way this story did. The characters were interesting and the story was well done. I was intrigued enough by it to want to read more of this series.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Performance - 5
Story - 5
Overall - 5
Good story, loved the audio performance.
This is the first book I’ve ready by A. L. Lester and the first audiobook performed by Callum Hale. I really enjoyed the story and I loved Callum Hale’s performance. I found his voice very compelling to listen to and he really brought the story to life for me.
I have to admit that this isn’t my normal type of MM book. I do enjoy historical MM and paranormal MM romance but haven’t read any books that combine the two the way this story did. The characters were interesting and the story was well done. I was intrigued enough by it to want to read more of this series.
A copy of this audiobook was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
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May 15, 2022The ebook is FREE at most retailers this week and audio is always $1.99 at Authors Direct and is Whispersynced at Audible.
December 31, 2020
I really enjoyed this story, which didn't surprise me, because I love historical and paranormal, plus I've been really into post-WWI set stories. My only complaint with this story is that it ended. I really do wish to see all of these characters endlessly.
Matty and Rob are highly likeable and sympathetic characters. I loved their simple and down to Earth love and desire to protect one another. Additional side characters made me only want for the story and series to continue with them all. (Unfortunately, based on the blurbs I've read for the next few books, it does not seem to do so, but I will be diving into them all).
The story is extremely mysterious and the narration is almost an unreliable one, because Matty and Rob are also trying to figure everything out, stumbling through it all. I did find one thing about the story funny that was probably not supposed to be funny. Basically, Matty and/or Rob are repeatedly told, "DON'T DO THE THING!" and not only do they do The Thing, they make it their life mission to do The Thing. But without doing so much of it, well, life might not have turned out so well anyway. (And I'll say nothing further, due to spoilers).
As for the audio edition, this was my first experience with this narrator & I'm so glad I have more of his narrations in my TBR, because I really liked this one.
(By the way, it should be noted that The Gate is included with Inheritance of Shadows. The Gate is listed separately, as a prequel on Goodreads & available as a separate work in print, but it really is a seamless part of Inheritance of Shadows.)
Matty and Rob are highly likeable and sympathetic characters. I loved their simple and down to Earth love and desire to protect one another. Additional side characters made me only want for the story and series to continue with them all. (Unfortunately, based on the blurbs I've read for the next few books, it does not seem to do so, but I will be diving into them all).
The story is extremely mysterious and the narration is almost an unreliable one, because Matty and Rob are also trying to figure everything out, stumbling through it all. I did find one thing about the story funny that was probably not supposed to be funny. Basically, Matty and/or Rob are repeatedly told, "DON'T DO THE THING!" and not only do they do The Thing, they make it their life mission to do The Thing. But without doing so much of it, well, life might not have turned out so well anyway. (And I'll say nothing further, due to spoilers).
As for the audio edition, this was my first experience with this narrator & I'm so glad I have more of his narrations in my TBR, because I really liked this one.
(By the way, it should be noted that The Gate is included with Inheritance of Shadows. The Gate is listed separately, as a prequel on Goodreads & available as a separate work in print, but it really is a seamless part of Inheritance of Shadows.)
January 30, 2021
The author acknowledges this is a continuation of the storyline from The Gate which I liked ... sort of a 'what happened next' to a novella with a decent conclusion of it's own. I should have left it at that instead of being 'tempted' to see the 'what happened' because it was not all that interesting despite some further backstory was provided to Arthur's dabbling and eventual demise (which also involved a further secondary character - who didn't add all that much to the plot interest IMO).
Again, my main quibble would be the best drama and excitement from other Lost in Time books didn't eventuate - no manifestations and havoc wreaked by other-world monsters; with the most severe threat here being My advise is to read, enjoy The Gate and leave it at that as this continuation was 2.5 stars.
Again, my main quibble would be the best drama and excitement from other Lost in Time books didn't eventuate - no manifestations and havoc wreaked by other-world monsters; with the most severe threat here being My advise is to read, enjoy The Gate and leave it at that as this continuation was 2.5 stars.
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March 2, 2021NOW OUT IN AUDIO
The first chapter of Inheritance of Shadows is a tidied up version of The Gate, the free 7.5k short story that was the start of the whole universe. The rest of the 28k words continues Matty and Rob's story in rural England just after the First World War.
It was written as a serial for newsletter subscribers over a twelve month period and although it was an interesting experiment I don't think it's one I'll repeat. It felt a bit like writing to undergraduate deadlines and I have decided I'm too old for an essay crisis every month!
There is a deleted scene called Rob's War which is available to subscribers of my newsletter.
The first chapter of Inheritance of Shadows is a tidied up version of The Gate, the free 7.5k short story that was the start of the whole universe. The rest of the 28k words continues Matty and Rob's story in rural England just after the First World War.
It was written as a serial for newsletter subscribers over a twelve month period and although it was an interesting experiment I don't think it's one I'll repeat. It felt a bit like writing to undergraduate deadlines and I have decided I'm too old for an essay crisis every month!
There is a deleted scene called Rob's War which is available to subscribers of my newsletter.
March 1, 2022
I loved revisiting the Border Magic world, Matty and Rob are both charming and interesting, and we get to see a bit more of the paranormal side of this world.
While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.
I listened to the audiobook and Callum Hale’s narration was excellent as always.
While this book is part of a series it can be read as a stand alone.
I listened to the audiobook and Callum Hale’s narration was excellent as always.
July 22, 2021
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story is both a love story and a story about the interaction between inhabitants of two very different existences. In terms of interactions these are of a limited type, except for Marchant, but they involve the use of kias. I’m not sure what kias is but it is more than just magic. It is not someone’s soul or anima or simply life force as some people have more than others. I wouldn’t say it is equivalent to ‘the force’ as in ‘Star Wars’ as it exists in the world around and can be drawn on. It is also strong at the borders where the two worlds meet, the ‘shimmer’ maybe. You’d have to ask Lin. Lin of the Frem, that is but don’t expect him to tell you though. Lin is from the Outlands, an area of the other world over the border or should it be through the shimmer at the border. The Frem live in caves and seem to have a rather restricted existence what with being surrounded by desert and enemies. But this is not really their story yet.
This is Matty’s and Rob’s story. They have both just returned from the fighting in the trenches of the First World War. They are childhood friends who have not been able to tell each other how they feel about each other. Matty (Matthew Webber) has returned to his family farm to find his brother Arthur wasting away. Rob (Robert Curland) is a farm hand and the only one Matty can turn to in his grief at his brother’s death. They team up to try and solve the strange goings on that are the result of Matty’s brother’s research. Rob will stop at nothing to protect Matty and that may prove to be his undoing.
Later on in the story two other characters appear: Peter Marchant and Dr Sylvia Marks. They are important to the story in terms of the future happiness of the two main characters but you’ll have to find out how for yourselves.
The sexual encounters between Matty and Rob are dealt with subtly and sensitivity. They are reflect, in a sympathetic way, what it would have been like for two inexperienced men in a world where it is illegal for them to be together in the way they need to be. A lot of their time together is spent working on the farm or trying to understand the problems they face in the aftermath of Arthur’s mistakes. The growing depth of their feelings for each other is shown by their day to day inter-reactions. The cuddles and kisses they grab are sweet and realistic.
I enjoyed this a lot and have purchased the next story in the series already. I will say that I was not always sure whose point of view I was following as it switched from Matty to Rob. It took just a moment to catch up but it’s something to watch out for. Still a great start to the Border Magic series and introduces us to the world of the Frem and some of the dangers that face the world as we know it.
This story is both a love story and a story about the interaction between inhabitants of two very different existences. In terms of interactions these are of a limited type, except for Marchant, but they involve the use of kias. I’m not sure what kias is but it is more than just magic. It is not someone’s soul or anima or simply life force as some people have more than others. I wouldn’t say it is equivalent to ‘the force’ as in ‘Star Wars’ as it exists in the world around and can be drawn on. It is also strong at the borders where the two worlds meet, the ‘shimmer’ maybe. You’d have to ask Lin. Lin of the Frem, that is but don’t expect him to tell you though. Lin is from the Outlands, an area of the other world over the border or should it be through the shimmer at the border. The Frem live in caves and seem to have a rather restricted existence what with being surrounded by desert and enemies. But this is not really their story yet.
This is Matty’s and Rob’s story. They have both just returned from the fighting in the trenches of the First World War. They are childhood friends who have not been able to tell each other how they feel about each other. Matty (Matthew Webber) has returned to his family farm to find his brother Arthur wasting away. Rob (Robert Curland) is a farm hand and the only one Matty can turn to in his grief at his brother’s death. They team up to try and solve the strange goings on that are the result of Matty’s brother’s research. Rob will stop at nothing to protect Matty and that may prove to be his undoing.
Later on in the story two other characters appear: Peter Marchant and Dr Sylvia Marks. They are important to the story in terms of the future happiness of the two main characters but you’ll have to find out how for yourselves.
The sexual encounters between Matty and Rob are dealt with subtly and sensitivity. They are reflect, in a sympathetic way, what it would have been like for two inexperienced men in a world where it is illegal for them to be together in the way they need to be. A lot of their time together is spent working on the farm or trying to understand the problems they face in the aftermath of Arthur’s mistakes. The growing depth of their feelings for each other is shown by their day to day inter-reactions. The cuddles and kisses they grab are sweet and realistic.
I enjoyed this a lot and have purchased the next story in the series already. I will say that I was not always sure whose point of view I was following as it switched from Matty to Rob. It took just a moment to catch up but it’s something to watch out for. Still a great start to the Border Magic series and introduces us to the world of the Frem and some of the dangers that face the world as we know it.
April 10, 2020
I received an ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
● Overall impressions
Matty and Rob from “The Gate” (1st volume of the Lost in Time series) are back in Inheritance of Shadows! The book picks up the thread right at where the original short story left the two main characters. This novel also contains the events of the short story (Chapter One: The Gate). And I was really happy to get my hands on this book, because I always felt Matty and Rob’s story was unfinished and wanted a real closure and a happily ever after for them.
I am glad to see that we, indeed, got the full spectrum of the story along with Arthur’s motivation (sort of – but I won’t spoil a thing), partial knowledge of the border and the gate and some general information about how the magic works in this world. And the events are accompanied by the development of Matty and Rob’s relationship; their emotions and love for each other get stronger and deeper as they fight for Matty’s life. It was lovely, thrilling and heartwarming all the way.
● Connection to the other books (minor spoilers!)
In chronological order The Flowers of Time is the 1st part of the series, making Inheritance of Shadows the 2nd in the time line. However, the books of the series are not really connected (only Lost in Time and Shadows on the Borders are sequels to each other).
But when reading Inheritance of Shadows we certainly will feel connected to the other books (presuming we’ve already read the other volumes). Because the mysterious book is back, this time owned by Arthur and is passed down to Matty. Matty and Rob are trying their best to crack the cypher in the book and eventually come across Jones’s notes (main character of The Flowers of time). Interesting fact: they think Jones was a male and refer to her as “he”.
After Matty and Rob, the book will be carried through many years until it gets to Lew’s adoptive father then to Lew himself (main character of Lost in Time and Shadows on the Border). So each and every volume of the series are connected through the book.
● Conclusion
This is a very good and exciting read like all the previous books of the series were. The characters are vivid and likable, their struggles are real, as are all their scars marking them, reminding them of the horrible years of the Great War, making them more believable. This is not a war story, the novel is about building a new life together with a precious someone and healing the wounds the past left on their souls.
I strongly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed, because it’s a five star read and 100% worthy of your time.
Check out the full review by clicking on the following link:
https://hundredmoors.com/2020/04/10/l...
● Overall impressions
Matty and Rob from “The Gate” (1st volume of the Lost in Time series) are back in Inheritance of Shadows! The book picks up the thread right at where the original short story left the two main characters. This novel also contains the events of the short story (Chapter One: The Gate). And I was really happy to get my hands on this book, because I always felt Matty and Rob’s story was unfinished and wanted a real closure and a happily ever after for them.
I am glad to see that we, indeed, got the full spectrum of the story along with Arthur’s motivation (sort of – but I won’t spoil a thing), partial knowledge of the border and the gate and some general information about how the magic works in this world. And the events are accompanied by the development of Matty and Rob’s relationship; their emotions and love for each other get stronger and deeper as they fight for Matty’s life. It was lovely, thrilling and heartwarming all the way.
● Connection to the other books (minor spoilers!)
In chronological order The Flowers of Time is the 1st part of the series, making Inheritance of Shadows the 2nd in the time line. However, the books of the series are not really connected (only Lost in Time and Shadows on the Borders are sequels to each other).
But when reading Inheritance of Shadows we certainly will feel connected to the other books (presuming we’ve already read the other volumes). Because the mysterious book is back, this time owned by Arthur and is passed down to Matty. Matty and Rob are trying their best to crack the cypher in the book and eventually come across Jones’s notes (main character of The Flowers of time). Interesting fact: they think Jones was a male and refer to her as “he”.
After Matty and Rob, the book will be carried through many years until it gets to Lew’s adoptive father then to Lew himself (main character of Lost in Time and Shadows on the Border). So each and every volume of the series are connected through the book.
● Conclusion
This is a very good and exciting read like all the previous books of the series were. The characters are vivid and likable, their struggles are real, as are all their scars marking them, reminding them of the horrible years of the Great War, making them more believable. This is not a war story, the novel is about building a new life together with a precious someone and healing the wounds the past left on their souls.
I strongly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed, because it’s a five star read and 100% worthy of your time.
Check out the full review by clicking on the following link:
https://hundredmoors.com/2020/04/10/l...
May 6, 2020
In December of 2017, AL Lester published a free novella titled “The Gate”, it became the prequel for the “Lost In Time” series. “The Gate” introduced: Arthur Weber, his brother Matty, friend Rob Curland, Lin of Frem and the mysteries of the Gate. With “The Gate” as the first chapter, Lester has extended their story with “Inheritance of Shadows”. The tale delivers more about what Arthur had discovered from the green book and how it leads to Matty and Rob becoming involved in the mystery of the Gate.
“The Gate” novella really peaked my interest the first time around and I always wished there was more about Matty and Rob. With the “Inheritance of Shadows” AL Lester brings her creative talents at world building and what lies beyond the Gate. The added chapters open the door to new and strange characters. Doctor Sylvia Marks has a very strong presence in this novella along with: Peter Marchant and Lin of Frem who live beyond the Gate with the Ternants, Delflanders and the creatures Carnas. Lester also builds more Into the relationship of Matty and Rob. I for one am glad AL Lester continued to add more to “The Gate”. “Inheritance of Shadows” developed into a novella that brings much more to the magic, fantasy, mystery and dangers of the “Lost In Time” series.
I have to give mention to “A Small, Secret Smile” that is offered in AL Lester’s newsletter. This informative and surprising tale takes place after “The Flowers of Time”. It tells of Frances Jones and Edie Merton, now married and living in England. The author treats us to the tale of how “Frances” is now “Franklin” and only a very few are privileged to know the secret.
Frances is still engrossed in her science and Edie still busy with her flowers and fauna. Edie also has a wonderful talent in painting and has taken on family portraits. While painting a portrait of young Charles, Edie has discovered a secret. She makes the decision to reveal the secret to Frances. The discovery opens up new questions and adds to all the mysteries of the Border.
AL Lester created this wonderfully written short story that answers some questions and leaves us with a new mystery that ties in with the “Lost In Time” series. I’m very excited about how much the “Lost In Time” series has grown and I know AL Lester will have more amazing tales to add to this entertaining series.
“The Gate” novella really peaked my interest the first time around and I always wished there was more about Matty and Rob. With the “Inheritance of Shadows” AL Lester brings her creative talents at world building and what lies beyond the Gate. The added chapters open the door to new and strange characters. Doctor Sylvia Marks has a very strong presence in this novella along with: Peter Marchant and Lin of Frem who live beyond the Gate with the Ternants, Delflanders and the creatures Carnas. Lester also builds more Into the relationship of Matty and Rob. I for one am glad AL Lester continued to add more to “The Gate”. “Inheritance of Shadows” developed into a novella that brings much more to the magic, fantasy, mystery and dangers of the “Lost In Time” series.
I have to give mention to “A Small, Secret Smile” that is offered in AL Lester’s newsletter. This informative and surprising tale takes place after “The Flowers of Time”. It tells of Frances Jones and Edie Merton, now married and living in England. The author treats us to the tale of how “Frances” is now “Franklin” and only a very few are privileged to know the secret.
Frances is still engrossed in her science and Edie still busy with her flowers and fauna. Edie also has a wonderful talent in painting and has taken on family portraits. While painting a portrait of young Charles, Edie has discovered a secret. She makes the decision to reveal the secret to Frances. The discovery opens up new questions and adds to all the mysteries of the Border.
AL Lester created this wonderfully written short story that answers some questions and leaves us with a new mystery that ties in with the “Lost In Time” series. I’m very excited about how much the “Lost In Time” series has grown and I know AL Lester will have more amazing tales to add to this entertaining series.
June 8, 2021
Be careful meddling in things beyond your understanding, even if your intentions are good. That is what Matty's academically inclined brother, Arthur, should have contemplated before dabbling in the spells contained within a book he could barely read. Now he's dead of a mysterious wasting disease. . . and he passed it to his sibling before succumbing.
Matty is truly a good man. He's trying to overcome his WWI trench inflicted PTSD, properly run his family's land ownings, discover the truth of his brother's passing, and possibly grab up the courage to admit to his feeling for Rob - the man who has worked for his family for years and been his closest friend almost as long. He is not a carefree knight in shining armor, nor a gothic tortured soul - but a man trying to find his way after experiencing the carnage of the Great War and stumbling headlong into the reality of magic he does not understand or have the talent to wield. He is relatable, honest, and endearing.
Rob is loyal to a point beyond considering his own safety, hardworking, and has loved Matty for as long as he has known him. But such relationships are not tolerated in English Society, and more than anything he wants what is best for Matty. But when Matty returns from the war, his deepest hidden hopes begin to become reality. Then his dearest begins to waste away, and Rob will do anything to save him. He begins to follow Arthur's magical path without thinking the consequences through.
I greatly enjoyed reading this historical worlds-collide fantasy romance. (So many descriptors for this story!) The world building was well thought out and explained without being long winded and the word smithing was a delightful pleasure to read. This was my first introduction to the Border Magic series, and I am excited to read the rest.
* I received an eARC from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily and without compensation. *
Matty is truly a good man. He's trying to overcome his WWI trench inflicted PTSD, properly run his family's land ownings, discover the truth of his brother's passing, and possibly grab up the courage to admit to his feeling for Rob - the man who has worked for his family for years and been his closest friend almost as long. He is not a carefree knight in shining armor, nor a gothic tortured soul - but a man trying to find his way after experiencing the carnage of the Great War and stumbling headlong into the reality of magic he does not understand or have the talent to wield. He is relatable, honest, and endearing.
Rob is loyal to a point beyond considering his own safety, hardworking, and has loved Matty for as long as he has known him. But such relationships are not tolerated in English Society, and more than anything he wants what is best for Matty. But when Matty returns from the war, his deepest hidden hopes begin to become reality. Then his dearest begins to waste away, and Rob will do anything to save him. He begins to follow Arthur's magical path without thinking the consequences through.
I greatly enjoyed reading this historical worlds-collide fantasy romance. (So many descriptors for this story!) The world building was well thought out and explained without being long winded and the word smithing was a delightful pleasure to read. This was my first introduction to the Border Magic series, and I am excited to read the rest.
* I received an eARC from BookSirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily and without compensation. *
April 27, 2021
Highly enjoyable the narrator made the story come to life this is my first audible I have heard of this author and the narrator and I am going to look for more in the near future. At first I was a bit confused on what was going on and got totally lost after one the brother who was in the war came back and found his brother sick and at the point of death and shortly afterward passed away. It is found out later he been dealing with forces unknown to man and of people and creatures that lived in a different dimension and possible time due to they fought with swords and spears were in our dimension we fought with guns and gases.
The way the story goes the one brother who died was looking for a weapon to end the war and someway he got in contact with the other dimension through books he had found and in a hast he started reaching out to the the other dimension and it cost him his life and almost cost another friend of his who went into the portal and could not get back.
There were I will end it you need to either read or listen to audible and I am sure you will enjoy it very much as I did.
The way the story goes the one brother who died was looking for a weapon to end the war and someway he got in contact with the other dimension through books he had found and in a hast he started reaching out to the the other dimension and it cost him his life and almost cost another friend of his who went into the portal and could not get back.
There were I will end it you need to either read or listen to audible and I am sure you will enjoy it very much as I did.
July 5, 2021
When Matty comes back from the big war it is to find his brother Arthur dying. All author tells him is “when I die burn the books… Promise you’ll burn the books?“ Maddie makes a tentative promise, but when the author dies he is hell-bent on finding out how did these books kill his brother? He will get help through his grief and his investigation from his long time friend and war buddy Rob. He shows up just in time to comfort and for a while they play hide and seek with their real emotions, but eventually given to them despite what others might whisper. The closer they get to the truth though the more Maddie is looking like a shadow of his former self and Rob is hell-bent on finding out how to close the gate? I love this book the only critique I have is I wish there was a little more paranormal in it, but again that’s just my opinion. This book was so much more awesome than I thought it would be I absolutely loved it! I received this book from book sirens and I’m leaving this review voluntarily.
March 26, 2023
While not necessarily being the strongest book in the Border Magic series, this was still an enjoyable read with excellent narration once again from Callum Hale.
My first introduction to the Border Magic universe was actually The Quid Pro Quo, and it was great to return to the rural setting for Inheritance of Shadows. Rob and Matty had a really great romantic arc, and it was nice to be reintroduced to some of the other characters from the wider universe.
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We did get to meet some new characters from the Outlands and explore that world a bit more. They were introduced quite late into the story though, and it did interrupt the flow slightly introducing new characters and themes at that point in the story.
Overall this was an enjoyable listen and a nice addition to the main ‘Lost in Time’ series.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
My first introduction to the Border Magic universe was actually The Quid Pro Quo, and it was great to return to the rural setting for Inheritance of Shadows. Rob and Matty had a really great romantic arc, and it was nice to be reintroduced to some of the other characters from the wider universe.
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We did get to meet some new characters from the Outlands and explore that world a bit more. They were introduced quite late into the story though, and it did interrupt the flow slightly introducing new characters and themes at that point in the story.
Overall this was an enjoyable listen and a nice addition to the main ‘Lost in Time’ series.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2020
Matty has come to nurse his dying brother, Arthur, who has fallen foul of the border magic. Unfortunately, when Arthur dies, Matty starts to sicken and his paramour, Rob, must work out how to fix things before it’s too late. I listened to the first three novels in the Lost In Time series before I listened to this, so I had a good understanding of this intriguing historical fantasy world. I loved this story. The race against time to understand Matty’s sickness and the border magic, and solve the problem was utterly compelling. I liked Matty and Rob and their gentle romance, and would love to see more of them. This is a welcome addition to a great series! Callum Hale pitches the audiobook narration perfectly: he has a soothing English accent; he clearly distinguishes between character voices; and his pace and emotion work well.
April 13, 2020
I enjoy historical novels, but my favorite is fantasy and Inheritance of Shadows by A.L. Lester combines both. The main characters, Matty and Rob, are both genuinely nice guys dealing with the aftermath of WWI in rural England. They are drawn into the world of magic through the death of Matty’s brother Arthur. I enjoyed the slow unfolding of the MCs’ involvement in the world beyond the gate and how that world comes to life for the reader. I became so enamored of the author’s worldbuilding that I had to buy the rest of the Lost in Time novels! Since time travel has been a secret addiction of mine for years, I can’t wait to read them!
March 30, 2022
Matty and Rob have returned from WWI to what they hope will be the calm life of working the family farm only to find Matty's brother has been reading esoteric literature and has unleashed forces he does not understand. It kills him and is well on its way to killing Matty. Rob and Matty have loved each other forever, but in this time period have never felt able to act on their feelings. Rob doesn't hesitate to risk his life to save Matty and he too begins an exploration into the paranormal. This story has a wonderful feeling for the period and the author seamlessly works in the paranormal plot. I'm anxious to read more books in this universe.
December 19, 2020
audio review
Inheritance of Shadows is part of the Lost in Time world. In this story Matty's brother Arthur is dying of an unknown illness. Matty and his friend Rob think it has something to do with the books Arthur was reading. Once Arthur passes Matty and Rob go through the books and they also find what looks like a gate. Once Matty starts coming down with the same illness his brother had Rob knows he has to do whatever it takes to save the man he loves. This is such a fascinating story of magic and mystery that takes place as WWI is ending. Narrator Callum Hale does a wonderful job.
Inheritance of Shadows is part of the Lost in Time world. In this story Matty's brother Arthur is dying of an unknown illness. Matty and his friend Rob think it has something to do with the books Arthur was reading. Once Arthur passes Matty and Rob go through the books and they also find what looks like a gate. Once Matty starts coming down with the same illness his brother had Rob knows he has to do whatever it takes to save the man he loves. This is such a fascinating story of magic and mystery that takes place as WWI is ending. Narrator Callum Hale does a wonderful job.
January 19, 2021
Inheritance of Shadows: by A.L Lester is a historical paranormal mystery set in 1919. This isn't my typical read for genre in the historical aspect but I will admit that I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The author did well with the world building and the character development. Also, the narrator of this audiobook was amazing in how they read the story.
October 17, 2021
So glad the author decided to continue ‘The Gate’ which has now become Chapter 1 of this book. Love the main characters Matty and Rob. The female doctor (Sylvia Marks) also has a great cameo in this book and her story is developed in ‘The Fog of War’.
I love the way the books are all interlinked and are gradually deepening the Border universe.
The audio is wonderful. The narrator has excellent technique and a great variety of voices so it is easy to follow the story and not drift off.
5 - 5 - 5 from me!
I love the way the books are all interlinked and are gradually deepening the Border universe.
The audio is wonderful. The narrator has excellent technique and a great variety of voices so it is easy to follow the story and not drift off.
5 - 5 - 5 from me!
November 25, 2021
Good historical paranormal romance. I really enjoyed the premise of the story and the magic system it was fun to get to explore this world and how these creatures were getting in along with what they were. The romantic development between the characters felt nature and flowed really well. I didn’t want the story to end I wanted more of these characters and I want to learn even more about this Gate and the other world it connects to. Definitely a great world and story.
July 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this novella. Lester does an excellent job of describing life on a farm in the 19020s. I was really invested in the MCs. There's one shift to another character that was slightly jarring for me, but overall I enjoyed this tale. This was my introduction to the Lost in Time series and I plan to read more!
February 23, 2023
This was lovely.
Following Matt and Rob's relationship was like getting a long, warm hug. The whole plot with the magic and Lin was fun and got me intrigued to read the rest of the series, and the historical setting was really well done, but mostly I just really enjoyed seeing the main couple here. Absolutely going to read the rest of this series soon.
Following Matt and Rob's relationship was like getting a long, warm hug. The whole plot with the magic and Lin was fun and got me intrigued to read the rest of the series, and the historical setting was really well done, but mostly I just really enjoyed seeing the main couple here. Absolutely going to read the rest of this series soon.
March 30, 2022
Great world building in this book. Matty and Rob are wonderful loving characters who care about each other a lot. They have to work together to solve a mystery. There are issues to work through. I would definitely recommend this book.
Read
October 1, 2022I think this is a "me, not the book" issue, so no rating. The writing style just didn't mesh with me and thus I didn't connect with the characters. I found it boring. Also, I thought it was a romance, but it didn't read like a romance to me.
August 3, 2023
The writing was alight, but the plot was too convoluted for a short story of its size. Things happened and I was very engrossed in the beginning about the post-war setting, but this book just failed to fully grip me and make a lasting impressed
May 25, 2022
3.5 stars.
An interesting premise. Might pick up some of the other books in this series.
An interesting premise. Might pick up some of the other books in this series.
June 20, 2022
great series, intense and charming style/characterisation
Read
December 10, 2022DNF nothing happening except portent
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