Into Shadow
Killing the dragon was only the beginning...
Killing the dragon was only the beginning...
Killing the dragon was only the beginning...
Epic, Fairy tales, folk tales, legends & mythology, Fantasy (general)
Muireann spent six months planning to kill the dragon that killed her family. Now the dragon is dead, and she's realized that it was actually the lesser threat guarding a devastating weapon that, if it falls into almost anyone's hands, will bring war and destruction to her world. It can't be left where it is. It can't be hidden. It can't be trusted in the hands of anyone in power or who seeks power. Muireann's only option becomes a reluctant quest with the elf she rescued from the dragon, a would-be knight, a selkie, and an elven mage to find out as much as she can about the weapon and seek a way to understand the magic that created it. Pursued by a dragon-worshipping cult bent on revenge and a hidden enemy that will do anything to remake the world, the five friends must try to find answers before all is lost.
Muireann thought that killing a dragon was going to be impossible.
Saving the world is going to be much harder.
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Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This is one of the most unique and interesting fantasy books I’ve read in a long time. It turns classic tropes on its head, and has created a wonderful world full of elves, selkies, dragons, and magic. All of the characters had such lovely, complex personalities and stories, and I loved the main character’s arc and journey. I seriously recommend this book to anyone who loves traditional fantasy but is looking for an unique take. ~ Siobhan Mostyn-Waldron (Reviewer), NetGalley
I read the non fiction books by Morgan Daimler and was curious about this fantasy one. I enjoyed it as it well plotted and entertaining. Can't wait to read the next one Highly recommended. Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine ~ Anna Maria G (Reviewer) , Netgalley
What makes a hero? Is it someone who fights for glory or someone who fights for those they love? Is it someone who believes in enforcing the status quo or someone who believes in defending free will? Is it someone who hits the gym or someone who hits the library. Morgan Daimler’s protagonist, Muireannm, must answer this question for herself, as she suddenly becomes a hero to those around her, while remaining skeptical of her authenticity in such a role. And it doesn’t help that there are those in the world that remain doubtful as well. “I don’t believe you. You can’t seriously expect anyone to believe that a fat old woman killed a dragon. What’d she do, bore it to death.” If you enjoy fantasies, have given up on ever being the hero of one, are a D&D fan, or just exhausted by traditional characters, this book is for you. You might even realize that you are already a hero, but like Muireannm haven’t accepted it yet. In short, this book is endorsed by a fat old woman who needs glasses to see, and hasn’t yet given up the idea of adventure. ~ Victoria Bennsion, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111800922-into-shadow?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_19
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This was a great entry in the Tallan Chronicles series, it has a great story going on and the characters worked well with the fantasy setting. I enjoyed getting to know this world and the way it worked overall. It does everything that I was expecting and I'm so glad I got to read this. "‘Perhaps,’ Calla agreed, waiting her turn in the aisle. ‘But you can tell a lot about a person by how they dress and comport themselves.’‘Perhaps,’ Muireann agreed, smiling as she slipped the new second-hand dress on, pulling it into place. It wasn’t ideal but would work well enough for the time being. ‘But look at us, for example." ~ Kathryn McLeer (Reviewer), NetGalley
"Into Shadow" is Morgan Daimler's first foray into high fantasy, but from the way they write, it's clear they've been dreaming the high fantastical for a long time. The world they have created is both alien and familiar, a home to many different kinds of beings, each with their own customs and histories. The story begins with Muireann, an unlikely hero-in-the-making intent on killing a dragon or dying in the attempt. From there, Muireann's life quickly fills with friendship, love, travel, and adventure, as she and her chosen family work to get to the bottom of an age-old mystery. With well-written characters and a richly detailed world that stays with you long after you bid your farewell to the last page, "Into Shadow" is the kind of book that lures you in and keeps you hooked. There are so many things I loved about this book, but the thing that stood out for me the most, was the way the main protagonists communicated with each other. This book is suitable for adults and younger readers alike, but the relationships within provide wonderful, non-toxic examples for all. ' ~ Catherine Heath, author of Elves, Witches, & Gods
With well-written characters and a richly detailed world that stays with you long after you bid your farewell to the last page, "Into Shadow" is the kind of book that lures you in and keeps you hooked. ~ Catherine Heath, author of Elves, Witches, & Gods
'Into Shadow' is a refreshing look at the outsider's experience of grief and sheer determination towards life. So many of us have dragons to slay, but in the process, we must fight not to lose ourselves also. Muireann's experiences really spoke to me, and I was absorbed into her colourful world just like the many wonderful characters who cross her path. ~ Tara D. W. Tine, author of Flight of Fire
Morgan Daimler is something rare, an author without comparison. I always feel when reading my work that it's easy to see which authors influenced my work, but their writing is so unique, so fresh, that I cannot think of another author to compare them to. They present normal flawed people in a fantasy setting in a way that I never knew I needed. This book is for everyone who thought they were too old, too weak, too impaired to be a hero. It shows us that all we need to be heroic is the love of others and the determination not to let evil stand. I finished this book with a tinge of sadness that the tale was over, but I will take with me so much joy, and the memory of the phrase "Don’t try to lessen yourself to keep me comfortable." A lesson I think we could all learn. ~ Ian Power, author of The Other series
What a delightful adventure! A rich, well-crafted world, intriguing adventure that kept me guessing throughout, and great action to keep me riveted to the page. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to escape into another world. ~ Christy Nicholas, author of The Druid's Brooch Series
Not your traditional high fantasy. Has all the traditional elements - an uncertain hero, loyal companions, a magical item that puts the world at risk, a perilous quest, a powerful adversary - and Morgan Daimler turns these elements all on their heads. And it works. Beautifully. Into Shadow is an adventure that will surprise and delight you. ~ Catherine Kane, author of The Land That Lies Between and Swans of War
Morgan Daimler leaves an indelible mark in modern literature, using the power of high fantasy as a means of raising awareness of pressing issues that humanity must confront. “Into Shadows” revolutionizes the genre by redefining the hero archetype and the social norms surrounding marriage and gender identity. Daimler masterfully brings together vibrant and complex characters. Dramatic situations lend themselves to subtle humor, and the suspense continues, until the very last page. “Into Shadows” stands out as an excellent book, equally entertaining and educational. ~ Daniela Simina, Where Fairies Meet: Parallels between Irish and Romanian Fairy Traditions