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Science Fiction & Fantasy |
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Shadows Return (Nightrunner)
written by Lynn Flewelling
Studio : Spectra
by Spectra
Release Date : 2008-06-24
Publisher : Spectra
Released : 2008-06-24
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 1
EAN : 9780553590081
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 39 reviews)
List Price : $7.50
Our Price : $4.23
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Product Description |
With their most treacherous mission yet behind them, heroes Seregil and Alec resume their double life as dissolute nobles and master spies. But in a world of rivals and charmers, fate has a different plan.…
After their victory in Aurënen, Alec and Seregil have returned home to Rhíminee. But with most of their allies dead or exiled, it is difficult for them to settle in. Hoping for diversion, they accept an assignment that will take them back to Seregil’s homeland. En route, however, they are ambushed and separated, and both are sold into slavery. Clinging to life, Seregil is sustained only by the hope that Alec is alive.
But it is not Alec’s life his strange master wants—it is his blood. For his unique lineage is capable of producing a rare treasure, but only through a harrowing process that will test him body and soul and unwittingly entangle him and Seregil in the realm of alchemists and madmen—and an enigmatic creature that may hold their very destiny in its inhuman hands…. But will it prove to be savior or monster? |
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Should have waited & combined with upcoming sequel |
I think if this book and its sequel coming out in 2009 were combined it would have produced a much better book. The sequel hints at the adventure that was very much lacking here (as many reviews have already gone into). When I look back and think about the book I feel like I should take scissors and could cut out huge chunks of it without missing anything. Better yet, I'd cut out what I felt were the important bits and put it into what I anticipate the next book will be.
Where I do disagree with some of the other reviews, was that I personally did enjoy some of the more emotional and internal development that occurred for the characters. The problem, again, is that an entire book wasn't needed for it. At the end it feels like the whole purpose of the book was for the characters to reach the emotional state necessary for the next book to make sense. If the author had just condensed this book into a fourth (or less) of it's length and worked it into the next book, then I think everyone would be happier.
The reason I gave the book 4 stars despite all of this, was that I did enjoy the book the entire time. It wasn't until I reached the end that I felt dissatisfied. Considering that so many authors leave me with cliff hangers and such, I wasn't completely unprepared for the feeling and I'm willing to get over it. If I had known about the sequel, I would have waited for it to come out though; the same as I usually do with authors who like to leave me hanging.
One last thing, I don't think anyone should give up on the series just because this one doesn't meet the expectations of the previous three. At least wait until next summer and read the reviews for the sequel. You can always skim this one or read enough spoilers to get up to speed. |
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Simply wonderful! |
I must admit that I was not particularly fond of Traitor's Moon, but my love for Luck in the Shadows and Stalking Darkness had me flying to the bookstore to buy this book, and I was certainly not disappointed!
Alec and Seregil are back with a vengence with a new and interesting chapter to their continuing saga. She manages to keep the relationship fresh as she weaves a deliciously twisted tale that'll have you racing to the end of the book while bemoaning that it's not longer. Her way with words and delectable descriptions, like in all her books, have you reading with all five senses.
I was reminded a lot of Stalking Darkness while reading, with its dark intensity and urgency coupled with sweet touches of the talimenios bond. Definitely my favorite of the four, but Shadows Return is a very close second. If you loved Stalking Darkness, you'll love this one, too.
[edit] After looking at the negative reviews, I have to say that I agree and disagree. Yes, the plot of this book is more straightforward, less full of intrigue and whatnot, but who cares? It's a different story and isn't exactly like all her other books...and apparently there's something wrong with that? Well, I think it's just fine. As to the plot not being "big" enough...if you don't see the implications of their situation, then maybe we weren't reading the same book. And finally, I think Alex and Seregil are perfectly in character and even if they're not out nightrunning the whole time, they're certainly not sitting around moping and doing nothing. It's a well told tale, and I absolutely adored it. |
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A+ For Effort |
To start things off, I'd like to say that the time lapse between Book 3 and 4 has been felt, as those who have already read SR noticed Ms Flewelling's stylistic changes. For one, with SR, the Nightrunner Series finally feels and reads like a series, as opposed to 3 books that can be read a stand-alone novels. Reading SR without background will be rather disappointing at some points, since references to important characters from the previous 3 books (such as Beka, Nyal and Nysander) aren't clearly explained and the significance of the Zengati as well as the Plenimarians will not have as much impact as it should.
Ms. Flewelling's writing has taken a more introspective, if limited, character-centric turn. Other side characters such as the bad guys don't get as much air time as they used to. Like previous reviewers mentioned, global issues such as saving the world have taken a trip to the back burner; Ms. Flewelling now choses for SR to have us witness the sometimes bumpy-ride of Alec and Seregil's relationship, at a more intimate level. As opposed to the way their relationship was developing/described in Books 1&2&3, the focus in now on the personal and emotional, whereas previously their relationship seemed to be stable and even, dare I say it, predictable, we finally get to see some conflict arise, which at times is a good and bad thing. With their relationship in front seat, the rest of the action (though not as much as we're used to) gets woven into the story in nicely paced sections, yet it would have been nicer to see more of Thero and Micum, or even a change of scenery.
The last 3rd of the book was my favorite, in which we meet Sebrahn. There is much potential for Sebrahn, even if his magical abilities can appear underdeveloped and even stereotypical (cure-for-all flowers, the very useful singing, etc) in that they present easy solutions for problems. If handled well, his gifts will not be his primary use in the future books, and instead we will get to learn more about him as (please excuse the pun) a person.
It is almost certain that tensions between Queen Phoria and Princess Klia, news from the war-front, more intrigue between the Aurenfaie clans, and various other such tantalizing morsels of conflict will be dealt with in Book 5 (hopefully) because SR has racked up loads of unfinished business; it's a transition book in that regard.
Ms. Flewelling's expert use of tension in the previous three books has wanned a bit in SR though it is still an intriguing and exciting read, albeit a fast one. People might be disappointed with it because it is perhaps not what the fans are used to, but it is to be expected that things are bound to change with time, and this change hasn't been a bad one so far. I congratulate Ms. Flewelling on a job well done and encourage fans of the Nightrunner series to not forsake this book and give it the chance it deserves. |
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Alec, Seregil and a neat avoidance of cliche |
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I read this book on holidays, in one long read, and every now and then I thought the plot was taking a stereotypical turn, falling into cliche - and every time, Flewelling swerved away from the obvious and took the characters and plot in unexpected directions. I found the imprisonment section a bit long, but the complexity and depth of the villains, as well as the heroes, was entirely rewarding and will stand re-reading. Flewelling's writing has improved immensely since "Luck in Shadows" - and it wasn't bad then - and watching Seregil and Alec struggle to maintain a longterm relationship after the thrill of romance is an unusual and fascinating component to a fantasy novel. The new characters are wonderful, the magic is as complex and solid as ever, and I can't wait for the next book! |
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Lovely new installment. |
If you loved the first three Nightrunner books, that is reason enough to give this one a chance. Is it everyone's cup of tea? No. Is it written in the same manner as the previous books? Not really. The plot is narrower, and there are certainly a greater number of personal monologues. However, even if these elements don't suit you, I wouldn't give up on the series quite yet.
The new characters (both major and minor) are compelling, and the twists are engaging. The doubts Alec and Seregil have feel genuine, and the small conflict between the two toward the end of the story is worrisome, but will surely be resolved.
Overall, my personal opinion is that it is a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down.
Thank you for bringing Seregil and Alec back, Lynn. |
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