Reviewed: May 6th, 2022
Released: September 16th, 2019
Genre: Military Fantasy
Burdened with legend. Hardened by battle scars. Hellbent on bloody revenge.
As the son of a famous general, Aravon is proud to captain his own company against his people’s enemy. But the experienced veteran’s march toward glory dissolves into pain as ruthless barbarians massacre every last one of his soldiers. Burning for vengeance, he leaps at the chance to spearhead a specially-trained company and pay back his tragic defeat with blood.
Desperate to not repeat his tragic past, Aravon trains his new warriors relentlessly. But the captain fears that all the tactical drills in the world may not matter when they’re forced to defend a helpless village against overwhelming odds. As his quick raids sow chaos amongst the enemy, the bloodthirsty savages threaten to make Aravon’s nightmarish history repeat itself…
Can the captain take command of his fighting spirit before the kingdom falls to barbarous invaders?
Shields in Shadow is the first book in the action-packed Silent Champions military fantasy series. If you like square-jawed heroes, well-oiled military action, and epic world-building, then you’ll love Andy Peloquin’s gripping novel.
Helen’s thoughts: 4/5
An action packed adventure, following the trials and tribulations faced by Aravon, a Captain in the legion who loses his whole battalion in an attack and is guilt riden by the fact he survived. Discovering that he is thought to have died as well, he accepts a commission to lead a special ops team to fight a different war to the one he is used to.
Peloquin has brought to life some very strong characters. Aravon, who struggles to let go of his legion training and embrace a new stealthier way to fight, and his band of merry men and women who are ready to rain down havoc on their enemies. And there are plenty of them to fight. Each member of the team has their own strengths and weaknesses, all of which have an impact on their missions.
Snarl is a cute addition, and provides a little light relief in what is a blood drenched story.
This is a military fantasy, so plenty of detailed battles and bloodshed if you like that. Aravon is a wonderful character. Fighting his own demons as well as a vicious enemy. I can’t wait to read more of his adventures.
About the author:
I am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist–words are my palette. Fantasy and science fiction are my genres of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of heroes, villains, and everything in between. I’m also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy and sci-fi novels.
Speculative fiction provide us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion,race, or lifestyle–it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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If you enjoy fantasy books then you will love my epic fantasy Sentinal series. As a new threat against Remargaren is discovered, only one man can wake the ancient guards who can protect them, only he doesn’t know how. Start the adventure and stay for the journey.
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Helen Garraway 