Shadow's Son
Ratings9
Average rating2.9
Treachery and corruption lurk at the end of every street, in the holy city of Othir. It's the perfect place for a freelance assassin with no loyalties and even fewer scruples. Caim makes - or perhaps more accurately, takes - his living on the edge of a blade. Murder is a risky business, but so far he reckons he's on the right side of it. Or he was . . . because when a short-notice contract job goes south, Caim finds himself thrust into the middle of a sinister plot in which he seems to be one of the primary marks. Pitted against crooked lawmen, rival killers and the darkest kinds of sorcery, it's going to take more than luck if he's to get through this alive. He may lack scruples, but he's still got his knives, and his instincts, to rely on - and a developed sense of revenge, or should that be justice? - to fall back on. But when his path leads him from the hazardous back streets of Othir and into the highest halls of power, will instincts and weapons alone really be enough? If Caim is really going to unravel the plot which has snared him, to unmask a conspiracy at the heart of the empire, he will have to finally claim his birthright as the Shadow's Son . . .
Series
Featured Series
3 primary booksShadow Saga
Shadow Saga is a 3-book series with 4 primary works first released in 2010 with contributions by Jon Sprunk and Christopher Golden.
Reviews
Popular Reviews
Reviews with the most likes.
Well this book did not turn out to be how I thought it would. Instead of focusing on the assassins it instead carries on the story of Caim and his mysterious powers. Sure he is an assassin, but this isn't the point of the story, simply a secondary trait. Was I disappointed? Nope. I think the character building was great and the slow unveil of his abilities was executed well. The only gripe I do have with this book is with Caim and his ability to somehow never need to close wounds. He will be patched up, then soon be off fighting without the mention of bleeding or torn stitches. I wonder if this was just a point overlooked by the author, or a way for Sprunk to prove Caim was tough. Either way, it was a bit too unrealistic. I look forward to the next book, as this one was dedicated to character growth and introducing us to Jon Sprunk's world. I have a feeling we've only begun to see the dark magic Caim can control and I can't wait to learn more about its source.
This is one of the exceptions to my “to read” shelf in that it rates below my usual cut offs. I guess its the summary text that got me interested. If you were to make a template for a fantasy book this would probably be it. A confused hero, a strong but hesitant female, simple magic through elven lore, multiple city world etc etc. All in all a quick and easy read but it never crosses into something that will remain in your memory.
