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As the Shadow Rises: The Age of Darkness, Book 2
By Carrie R. Wheadon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Love, religion, and magic mix in twisty, satisfying sequel.
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What's the Story?
In AS THE SHADOW RISES: THE AGE OF DARKNESS, BOOK 2, Ephyra's sister, Beru, has deserted her, but it doesn't make Ephyra any less determined to find Eleazar's Chalice. The chalice can restore Beru's life force without forcing Ephyra to commit murder to do it. Ephyra hires a team of thieves to follow her into the desert on a mission that no one has returned from before. At the same time, Beru is hiding out in a desert town, helping heal the losers in the fighting pits. That's when she spots one of the winners: Hector, the last man Ephyra killed for Beru. In the Kerameikos Fort, Jude is awaiting trial for disobeying his religious order. He's also avoiding Anton, the Prophet he recovered for his order, and not just because Anton has dark visions, but because Jude has feelings for him that his chaste order would not approve of. Before the trial, though, the fort is attacked by zealots called Witnesses, and Jude and Anton are on the run. If the Witnesses catch them, they'll be brought before the Hierophant, a religious leader determined to burn the graces (magic) out of all the graced and bring about the end times. Prince Hassan is the first to face the Hierophant after he threatens all the graced in his kingdom.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of the first book will be thrilled with this sequel, which combines ample helpings of romance, magic, and twisty dark prophesies. There are six major characters here that each get their turn narrating. The most compelling narrators are Jude and Anton. Their forbidden romance heats up, Jude questions his rigid religious beliefs that keep him from what he desires, and they both run from zealots that want to strip them of power and destroy the world. They are very easy to root for. Ephyra, on the other hand, is hard to root for. She thinks murder solves everything and starts a disastrous sexual relationship with someone she doesn't trust. Her treasure-hunting escapades are exciting, though.
The other two storylines also add intrigue. Prince Hassan falls in with the wrong rebels, who have more violent aims, and uncovers some important relics. Beru and Hector find a little romance and an evil force in the desert. Because they are all part of the Prophecy, you know the storylines have to come together eventually, and they do in dramatic, twisty fashion. Some of the twistiness is hard to follow -- like whose side the Hierophant is really on -- but the thrilling conclusion sets up the finale well.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about unrepentant killer Ephyra in As the Shadow Rises. When she narrates the story, do you feel for her? Do you ever read stories from the perspective of someone who does unspeakable things? What would the story be like if it was all in her voice? Would you like it as much?
How does this story incorporate religion? What do each of the main characters believe at the beginning of this book? The end? What other stories that you've read combine spiritual beliefs with magic?
Will you read the finale of this series? What do you think will happen to each of the main characters?
Book Details
- Author: Katy Rose Pool
- Genre: Fantasy
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Henry Holt & Company, Inc.
- Publication date: September 1, 2020
- Number of pages: 496
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 5, 2020
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