I have found with my years of reading that debut novels often lack finesse. As with any new creator, we must expect a period of skill honing. In Solitude’s Shadow is no different from other debut novels in this regard, such as a little too much telling and clumsy exposition; it is also a little on the short side for a fantasy novel. However, it is a story with fascinating character arcs and exceptional world-building.
In Solitude’s Shadow returns to the Epic Fantasy I enjoyed so much in my youth. LitRPG and Grimdark were good for a change. Still, like classic versus punk rock, it’s good to return to the original genre when the rebellion has reached its pinnacle.
The Banished have arrived at the mountain fastness of Solitude, and Ruin threatens. Great stuff.
Recommendation
Any fantasy fans struggling with the flood of Grimdark and LitRPG could do much worse than take up the Empire of Ruin series. Great characters. Great story. Great page-turner.
4/5 Stars.
PerchedCrowPress 