The good news is that except for the character growth of Caim, if a reader happens upon SHADOW'S MASTER before the first two novels (SHADOW'S SON and SHADOW'S LURE) they won't be lost. More so than the first book into the second, Sprunk gives a better accounting of things so that a new reader stumbling in won't be scratching their head and grow frustrated.

The other piece of good news is that this book pays off for readers of the previous two volumes. Caim's heritage, the nature of his otherworldly powers and his role as the 'Scion' are given center stage as he travels north to find out about his (not quite human) mother. A resolution is also found for the love triangle that is Josey-Caim-Kit, though I'm less keen on that aspect (I was never actually invested in either relationship, though I felt keenly for Josey's predicament during book 2).

The less good news is that because Sprunk seemed to make this more standalone than the previous two novels (despite being the third and final part of the trilogy), Caim's behavior seems off somehow. He's brooding, angsty and bothered by things that would have made more sense in book 1 then now in book 3.

My favorite parts, which probably say’s a lot about where my priorities were and how skewed they were, involved Josey and her schemes and machinations to keep her throne. Fortunately even without Caim around to help her do sneaky things, Josey forges alliances and has a number of people she can trust to help her stave off death and dethronement. By the end of the novel she finds her place in the world and finds herself able to come to terms with the changes she's undergone and I applaud her for it. Josey was never a weak character (irritating at times, but not weak) and her growth throughout the books has made me smile.

I'll give Sprunk credit, in what could have been a sentimental book dealing with the nature of families, history and love he still packs in enough fighting, bloodshed and action to keep just about anyone happy. Between Caim's battles in the north and Josey's battles to protect her throne, there's very little downtime for our heroes. It made for a quick-paced read that keeps the reader entranced until the last page.

In all this was a good farewell to the world and Caim in particular. I was satisfied by the conclusion, though that's not to say I would be averse to Sprunk writing short stories about Nimea and how Josey's reign goes on in the future however.

Review originally posted at Night Owl Reviews ( )

What started off as a fairly good series ended with a thud. There was not a single character I cared for, and the story fell flat. Caim forgot that he had feelings except for anger, Josey forgot that she loved Caim even though she was pretty adamant about it at the start, and Kit just became someone completely different. I wouldn't recommend this series. ( )

The end of this saga, and I do like that fact because a trilogy can be so good. Only 3 books and an ending close by. At the same time it's really sad, because it's only 3 books.

At the beginning of this book Caim is heading north, into unknown territory and everywhere there is danger, eternal darkness and the cold. With him he has 3 men. One who does not talk much, and two who only want wenches. Will he find his mother is the question, the Shadow's Master? And how on earth will he survive? because of these questions I am on the edge of my seat all the way through the book.

Caim is a favorite as always, yes I do have a soft spot for assassins. He does not say much, he has freaky shadows dancing around him and he is so good with weapons. And he comes with a fae woman who dances around him too, jumping in and out of his life. Who could not like Kit? And especially now when she has gone and fallen for him and they do make sense.

But this book is not only about Caim, we also see Empress Josey again who is trying to keep invaders out of her country. And the question here is also, Caim and her, over? Can both move on?

I am stuck again, this always happens when I enjoy a book, and when it's the last book. Because what more can I say? I liked the series, it was surprising at times, it was exciting, it was dark, and it was light. It had good baddies and they sure came from an interesting world. This last part was just as good as the previous books and it's with sadness I say goodbye. But it's also with a smile I end this series because not all managed to go out on top.

Conclusion:
It's a good fantasy series and I recommend it. It also has this easy way over it that makes it fun to read, a fast read and you'll enjoy every bit. With that I can only say, please write more Jon Sprunk :)
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