From the Bookshelf of Sword & Sorcery: "An earthier sort of fantasy"…

The Sorcerer's Shadow

David C. Smith

Why we're reading this: This is my personal favorite among Smith's original Sword and Sorcery works.…more
[close] This is my personal favorite among Smith's original Sword and Sorcery works.

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Jul 27, 2020 Derek rated it liked it

Shelves: sword-and-sorcery

It's quite an upgrade over Oron, from the introductory melange that succinctly and lushly demonstrates life in the port city of Kabai, to the restraint applied to dialog-based scenes that kept them from spiraling into soap-opera intensity. It's clear that Smith is inspired by Robert E Howard and he does that author at least one better with strong character arcs and plot threads that operate independently until they tie together. The main character even appears to be emotionally damaged from his ...more

11 likes · Like · see review

Jun 09, 2009 Charles rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, friendsbooks

My favorite book thus far by David C. Smith, although I still have a few more to read. And this is saying something since I've liked everything I've read from him. ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 15, 2020 Jason Ray Carney rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, sword-and-sorcery, dark-fantasy

An excellent, artful novel of sword and sorcery. There are two main plots (1): Therik and Asya, two star-crossed lovers, fight against a brutal regime for their humanity, autonomy, and dignity; and, (2) Akram the wanderer and Nidyis the demon-hauned sorceress, navigate the complexities of an emotional labyrinth of poisonous love, lust, and violence. The world, Attluma, where these dramas unfold, is brutal and sublime, like a Thomas Cole painting of a storm: there is a realistic "historicity" to ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Jul 14, 2022 Jim Kuenzli rated it really liked it

Shelves: sword-and-sorcery

Great sword and sorcery book. I wish Smith would have continued his career at the time, but I’m glad he is back to writing now. Although his new work is different, it’s a refreshing break from the ridiculous non stop epics out there.

1 like · Like · see review