Book #1 from the series: Chronicles of the Bard King

A Tempest of Shadows - 08/10/2024

Chronicles of the Bard King Book 1

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About

In a world where ancient magic and dark forces collide, the fate of a kingdom hangs in the balance.

King Josiah Dross stands valiantly against the overwhelming forces of the Storm King, Jerith Al’Sut. As the kingdom of Terrenholdt faces ruin, Queen Liana must make a desperate escape with their newborn son, Baelen, and a band of loyalists. Their journey leads them through the mystical Eldwood Forest, guided by the enigmatic Fae Guardian, Aerendil, towards the sanctuary of the Faewild.

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Brandon Sanderson, “A Tempest of Shadows” weaves a tale of love, betrayal, and the unyielding fight for survival. This epic fantasy will transport you to a world where heroes are forged in the fires of adversity, and every choice carries the weight of destiny.

As Liana and her companions navigate the perilous forest, they face both powerful allies and formidable enemies. The Faewild offers its own challenges and secrets, testing their strength and resolve at every turn. Meanwhile, the relentless Sutori warriors, led by the fierce Valeria, pursue them with unyielding determination, driven by dark magic and a thirst for power.

Key Features:

  • Immersive World-Building: Explore a richly detailed fantasy world filled with ancient lore, magical landscapes, and epic adventures.
  • Complex Characters: Follow the deeply personal journeys of Queen Liana, Aerendil, Valeria, and a diverse cast of characters as they navigate a world of peril and power.
  • Gripping Plot: Experience a story full of twists, turns, and high-stakes adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
  • Themes of Love and Sacrifice: Discover themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption woven throughout the narrative.

“A Tempest of Shadows” is not just a tale of survival; it is a story about the bonds that tie us together and the sacrifices we make for those we love. As the shadow of Jerith’s dark magic looms ever closer, Liana and her companions must find the courage to reclaim their homeland and face their greatest fears.

What You’ll Find Inside:

 

  • Epic Battles and Intricate Strategies: Engage in thrilling battles and witness the strategic maneuvers that can turn the tide of war.

 

  • Magical Artifacts and Ancient Secrets: Discover powerful artifacts and uncover ancient secrets that could change the fate of the kingdom.

 

  • Emotional Depth and Personal Growth: Connect with characters on a profound level as they grow, change, and face their deepest fears.

 

Will Queen Liana and her companions find the strength to reclaim their homeland, or will the shadows of their past consume them? Embark on an unforgettable journey with “A Tempest of Shadows” and discover a world where courage, love, and sacrifice illuminate the path through the darkness.

Praise for this book

Loved it! 😍
Follow the Storm Lord, Jerith Al'Sut, on his quest for more power. A path of destruction is wrought in his attempt at becoming immortal.

Synopsis
"A Tempest of Shadows" follows the chronicles of Jerith Al’Sut, the enigmatic and feared Storm Lord. The narrative, presented by Baelen Josiah Dross, intertwines his life with Jerith's rise to power. The story begins on a stormy night where Avery and Dillon struggle through a relentless blizzard to find a village and its vibrant tavern, a sanctuary from the storm's fury. As the tale unfolds, Jerith's relentless pursuit of power and dominance becomes evident through his fierce battles and strategic conquests. The narrative also explores the journeys of other characters like Riona, Kora, and Kael, each facing their own trials and adventures. Themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge and power are woven throughout the story, highlighting the high stakes in the world of Eodarrin. The prologue sets a dark, atmospheric tone, with vivid descriptions of the storm and the challenges faced by the characters, promising a tale filled with peril and profound truths.

A Tempest of Shadows: Revised Edition by Joe Herod

Our novel starts inside a cozy inn, protected from the tumultuous elements of the outside world. A weathered bard fascinates those in attendance with a story of intrigue and suspense. By a crackling fire, he delves deep within a tale, a labyrinth mixed with immense emotions and self-adulation.

Joe Herod, our skillful artificer, produces a lush world that will appeal to lovers of the fantasy genre. Jerith, our main antagonist, seeks definitive power. From the onset, we oversee a chaotic battle within Terronholdt. The Storm Lord's prize is the discovery of an ancient civilization and the power it holds buried deep underneath the city.

Escaping Terronholdt, Queen Liana, her newborn child Baelen, and her group of trusted guardians flee through underground tunnels and find themselves in the world of the Fae. Aerendil, a banished fae and close friend to the now-deceased King Josiah, has sworn to protect the queen. Being chased by Jerith's Sutori, his most skilled warriors, Liana's group seeks refuge within Aarendil's enchanted homeland to regroup. As both contingencies move East toward Eldwood, our author unfurls more unforeseen plot complexities.

I love strong characters, characters I root for, and villains worthy of my utmost distaste. Jerith, a maniacal leader, is a man who is not satisfied with anything less than ultimate superiority within the realm. His intrinsic ability to cook up annihilation at a moment's whim was impressive, bringing forth an inherent hatred within my heart. A cast of characters equally written to provoke my feelings, I was enamored by our group of escapees. Here in lies the strength of the book. There were various amounts of personalities to choose from, with whom the readers may relate. A smorgasbord of backstory also piqued my senses and created a variety of complexity.

What are the negatives? Our plot in itself is simplistic in telling. Good versus evil. I wouldn't consider this a new take on something I have indulged in before. Magic systems that were interesting but not ground-breaking.

All in all, who doesn't love bad guys with morality issues? Discoveries of ancient artifacts from long-lost tombs? Sign me up. I had a sense of utter enjoyment in retrospect. I concluded that parts of the tale were slow, allowing the reader to digest the complexities of each character. It wasn't a drawback from my experience, but rather a great stepping stone for what will become of the series.

I am giving this 4 out of 5 stars! I can recommend it to all lovers of the epic fantasy genre.

Thanks to Reedsy for access to this free Arc. All opinions expressed are my own.

5.0 out of 5 stars Holy world building, Batman!
Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2024
If you love fantasy books filled with world building, this novel is 😚👌. Highly recommend!

Can't wait to read the next in the series! We'll written, great character development and storyline. Couldn't put the book down!

One of the epic fantasy books, which is well written, good world building with characters that show growth.

The journey through Eldwood had me on edge, not knowing if who they meet is friend or foe. Filled with challenges and secrets, the book brings out the emotions of loyalty, friendship, fear, and love, as each of them strive to survive.

A fantastically fun rip roaring fantasy adventure. This story has a very classic feel Yet evokes things like Howard's Conan, Joe Abercrombie First Law Trilogy, and has the whimsy of more classical fantasy like The Last Unicorn, Princess Bride or The Black Cauldron. This is the best new fantasy novel I have read in a long-term period I can't wait to read more great adventures in the world.