A Play of Shadow by Julie E. Czerneda is a fantastical novel packed full of action.

I will admit that this book was hard for me to get through. My best bet is because I haven't read the first novel in this series, so I just didn't know half of what had occurred before this novel. That doesn't mean this book isn't good though! It was just very hard for me to push myself to read it. It almost felt like a chore because I couldn't comprehend some of the past experiences of the characters. I did look up some information on the last book, but it didn't help me. That being said, I don't recommend jumping into this series without starting from the beginning.

This book did feel fantastical though! Julie is a truly mesmerizing author and I love her talent. I felt like I was reading a Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones styled tale. It's full of fantasy, action and lore that was truly interesting.

I did like Jenn and Bannan together. They felt like a real couple and the were truly lovable. I found their development to be my favourite part of the story. I fell in love with them instantly despite not knowing what happened to them in the previous book. Shout out to Julie for doing so well with them!

The magic in this book was also fun to experience. It didn't feel like the typical dramatic magic I've seen in romance novels (which is where I commonly see magic), so I enjoyed Julie's spin on it.

Overall, not reading the first book really screwed me over with this book. I think I would have enjoyed it a lot more if I read it in order the way it was intended. I think big fantasy lovers will enjoy this book way more than I do. I like to dabble in fantasy, but it's not really my scene. Those who love fantasy will devour this book so quickly and will truly love it. I'm just not made for this type of novel! So I do truly think this book is amazing, but in my opinion it doesn't do it for me as a reader.

Two out of five stars - since it was really hard to get into and really hard for me to get invested in.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

Better than the first one, we get to explore a bit more of the world and culture that the author has created.

The love triangle is all fully resolved, Jenn has settled down,and knows what to expect of herself and Marrowdell, she's even starting to get to grips with her magic. However the outside world has problems of it's own and when it's politics entangles Bannon's family, Jenn realises there is more she can learn and do to help.

It remains bucolic, but restful and well written. A gentle easy style, simple magic, no peril, no angst, and you know it will all work out right in the end. A very pleasant change from some. ( )

A weirdly nice story
Saturated with magic and life "A Play of Shadow" focuses on Jenn Nalynn. Her society's care for one and eachother makes saturates this read with good feelings and a sense of wonder at their aspirations and achievments. I read this book to long after "A Turn of Light". With such a novel ecology and blend of societies cathing up on the smaller entities and folks from aToL took me too long. And costs this book my top star rating. Otherwise a great read I could not wait to fininsh. I liked Channen and would love to see deeper plots and harder tasks for our heroes there.
Thank you Julie E. Czerneda for yet another fascinating book.
4 out of 5 stars * * * * ( )