Monday, February 15, 2010

In Shade and Shadow by Barb and JC Hendee

In Shade and Shadow is the first installment of the second
series in the ongoing Saga of the Noble Dead. Since
returning from her last journeyor's assignment two seasons
ago, Wynn Hygeorht has found it difficult to adjust to life
in the guild; not to mention much of the order envies her
for bringing back one of the greatest treasures in the
guild's history. But things stir up in Calm Seatt after two
sages are killed and a translation folio is stolen by an
unknown suspect. Many investigations are initiated by
Siweard Rodian, captain of the Shyldfalches, as it is his
duty and determination to solve the murder of the two sages.
However, as Captain Rodian digs deeper into the mystery, he
feels there is more to the translation project than meets
the eye. Wynn is also curious about the death of the two
sages and believes they were killed by a Noble Dead. During
one encounter with the Noble Dead, she is protected by a
majay-hi, or wolf, which she later discovers is the daughter
of Chap and Lily who was sent to protect her. Around the
same time, Wynn runs into a past friend, Chane, who is an
undead. The three work together to figure out the meaning
behind the stolen translation folios while also attempting
to vanquishing the Noble Dead yet they discover a hidden
truth in return.

This book is surprisingly good and very
descriptive, but it is one of my harder books to get into at
first. The plot is nicely woven together and very
interesting but I found it was the author's writing style
that took me awhile to get used to. The author liked to add
many miscellaneous little details that strayed from the main
topic, which consequently became confusing at times. Other
than this, In Shadow and Shadow is a great book for young
readers and has a captivating plot that will keep you
turning the pages!

Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City,State and Country: Knoxville, TN United States