I love this series because there's humour, an original world building, well developed and interesting characters
I loved this one and I'm eagerly waiting for the next one.
Loved it and had a lot of fun.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I was worried that this book might fall prey to the 'second book slump' but it was fantastic! It was a really exhilarating read which kept me on the edge of my seat.
The characters were well developed and fun to read, and the world was rich, intriguing and well constructed. I'm really looking forward to the next instalment!

Such a good sequel, I really like this series! I was so happy to see all of those characters again, they're so fun to follow along on their adventures and there wasn't a POV I disliked, so kudos to the author for that. Great sequel, would 100% recommend this series.

Shadow Baron is an incredible follow up to the Notorious Sorcerer. So much happened in book one of the trilogy and now as we deal with the aftermath and find footing for the big conclusion in the finale, I think the author did a wonderful job of moving the story forward with this one. This book was also incredibly fast paced, much like the first, but as there was a familiarity with the world already, the author used this time wisely to expand upon the ensemble of characters, both individually, and their relationships with those around them. I certainly enjoyed the higher stakes in this installment, and especially all the politicking that was happening.

Overall, this book was a very engaging and gripping read that has me thirsting for the conclusion badly!

Second books of a trilogy are always a bit of a dicey proposition - they might work just as well or the first or, more often in my experience, prove a bit of a disappointment. Sometimes their main role is to set things up for the big finale and can leave you feeling a bit flat. I'm really glad to say that Shadow Baron was one of the former, as it did some excellent work in developing some of the supporting characters from Notorious Sorcerer, as well as propelling the overall story-line forward.

The book starts pretty much as the previous volume finished, with our protagonist (Siyon) trying to find his feet in his new role as the Alchemist, not helped by his grief over the sudden loss of his new-found relationship. Things seem to have stabilised for a while, till one of the nobility's garden parties is invaded by creatures from another realm and magic appears to be waking up all over Bezim. Alongside this, one of the supporting characters from the previous book (Anahid) finds herself the owner of a pleasure house after a gambling excursion unexpectedly works out and has to deal with the underworld for the first time.

Overall, Shadow Baron does a really good job of building on the events of the first book but also not completely letting a focus on Siyon overpower everything else. In some ways, it's his relationships with other characters (and vice versa) that are on display here - Anahid is juggling social responsibilities and her desire to have something for herself but she's always completely certain that Siyon (and others) will have her back. The same goes for Siyon, when he needs help, just from his former crew but also from his newer friends.

All in all, I enjoyed this very much and am really looking forward to the final book of the trilogy, with hopefully a resolution of the situation around Siyon's love life. This was nicely handled here, with Siyon affected but not completely overwhelmed by what happened in book 1, but I would really like to see a good outcome in the final book!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

"Notorious Sorcerer", the first in Davinia Evans' The Burnished City series, was a complete surprise hit last year. I absolutely loved it, it was fun and creative with very cool lore and loveable complex characters, So of course I was more than happy to get the chance to read the sequel, "Shadow Baron" - and yeah, the fun continues!

"Shadow Baron" is a worthy sequel. All the things I enjoyed in the first book are still present, with the action turned up a notch. Siyon returns as the main protagonist, now thanks to the events in book 1 in a very different, much more powerful and responsible position. He has to both navigate the politics and find a solution to a new problem emerging from his actions as the different planes seem to become more unstable and unwanted visitors from them keep popping up in the city and causing chaos and mayhem. And all the while he's still grieving Izmirlian, whose involvement in the story despite not being part of it himself is really well done. Zagiri is back again, too, and her storyline is mostly a political one as well as she tries to change things for the less fortunate people in society, struggling at the same time with herself being part of the elite oppressing them. To be honest, her storyline was the weakest in the book and I sometimes thought it was a little too all over the place where it could have been much more poignant. Then there's Anahid, probably my favourite of them all, who suddenly finds herself entangled with the criminal underworld of the city. I absolutely loved her development in this book.

The plot is fast-paced and fun, the action exciting. A lot is happening especially in the final chapters and I did sometimes find myself hoping things would slow down just a little to let the events, and the characters, breathe for a moment. The world building gets expanded on, though admittedly especially the political landscape and sociological intricacies of Bezim society felt a bit superficial (which was most notable in Zagiri's chapters - which is probably why they were my least favourite).

Still, it was entertaining all the way through and I cannot wait for the third book.

Shadow Baron is the phenomenal sequel to Davinia Evans' debut novel 'Notorious Sorcerer'. For all those who, like me, were holding off on judgement of book one to see how the sequel went I can confidently say Shadow Baron has confirmed that this is a series I will see through to the end AND a series I will enjoy rereading as every new book comes out.
Why does Shadow Baron work so much more than Notorious Sorcerer? I personally think it's twofold - without the pressure to set up a world from scratch there is more space for plot and character dynamics to breath and to see those smaller worldbuilding details flourish. I also think the choice to develop the characters other than Siyon even more in this book was the correct choice. I'm willing to admit that the plotline of the Shadow Baron in the title includes some of my all-time favourite storytelling tropes so perhaps that had something to do with it as well. But I do feel that by broadening the story in this way the series shines so much more and I hope we see more of that in later books.
When I finished book one I wasn't sure if I would recommend this series, having read book two I am confident in saying this is a great series to pick up if you enjoy interesting city fantasy, cool magic systems and seeing characters grow against the odds. I'll be popping this on my 'series to watch' list and you can be sure I'll be the first to pick up the next book!
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Building on the promise of Notorious Sorcerer the author has deepened the world building, and delivered a cracking next installment in The Burnished City series.
We are reunited with our key leads, Siyon, now the Power of the Mundane, Zagiri, securing a clerkship to create change and Anahid, breaking free of the strict rules of behavior of the Azatani. The story continues not long after the last novel ended.
Siyon is struggling to find his place and authority as Power of the Mundane, and although it has solved some of the problems from Notorious Sorcerer it has led to new problems. These include incursions from other planes, new magical creatures appearing in the midst of everyday life and means Siyon must get a grip on his new powers before disaster befalls Bezim.
Zagiri has finally taken the first steps into the political world led by the Azatani council. She has become a clerk to a prestigious task force and looks for ways to create change from within the system. Her views are widened by association with visitors from the North who have a very different view of rights of the individual - is revolution the only path for change?
Finally Anahid, the perfect Azatani woman who appears to effortlessly navigate the complex alliances and politics of her class. In Notorious Sorcerer she was introduced to the gambling card game of carrick, one which she soon mastered. Her love of the game continues and in a match with one of the heirs to the Shadow barons (think criminal underworld) she wins Sable House in the flower district. This has so many implications as she begins her journey into a double life that must remain secret if her social status is to be maintained.
All these journeys weave together into an unforgettable book and I thoroughly recommend this. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC, all views are my own. Due to formatting issues on Kindle it took a little longer to read this than would normally be the case as I had to resort to the pdf version.

Return to Bezim in Davinia Evans' sophomore novel, Shadow Baron, where about two months have passed since the ending of Notorious Sorcerer and the exciting events this entailed. Siyon Velo is now the Power of the Mundane and he may have stabilized the planes, but he doesn't really know what he's doing – and it won't be long before everyone catches on to that. But then, mythical creatures are spotted around Bezim: a djin appears at a garden party, and there are rumours of a naga in the Flower District, Bezim's red light district. Magic is waking up in the Mundane, and Siyon has to find a way to stop it.

In Shadow Baron, we follow Siyon, Zagiri and Anahid, as they navigate different facets of Bezim society. Street gangs and underground barons, alchemists and sorcerers, society events and gambling tables, this book lets you delve into a multilayered city that springs off the page – I found myself transported to the streets of Bezim. The second book builds on the world created in the first, and while the pace of the narrative seems slower, we get a deeper insight into the politics and the workings of society in this world. Anahid, whose rebellion against societal standards started in Notorious Sorcerer, is performing a veritable balancing act living a double life. I absolutely adored her story arc in this second instalment and many of her parts were amongst my favourite in this book. Throughout, my heart was bleeding for Siyon, who seemed entirely out of his depth, trying to work out his responsibilities as the Power of the Mundane whilst being consumed by grief and longing. Zagiri’s POV contributed a lot to highlighting the political workings of Bezim’s society, as she navigated the system and tried to achive her desired outcomes.

This was an easy 5 stars from me, with the conclusion of the trilogy taking up an immediate top spot on my list of most anticipated titles.

I reviewed Shadow Baron by Davinia Evans for book recommendation and selling site LoveReading.co.uk. I chose Shadow Baron as a Liz Pick of the Month, please see the link for the full review.

This was a fun read. I quite enjoyed it, especially seeing the author develop their writing even more.

Notorious sorcerer was one of my best reads in the end of 2022, beginning of 2023, so reading this second tome was something I was really looking forward to. Returning to the universe, the character and the magic ! I am not disappointed. If I ahd a little trouble getting in the book for the first few chapters, it was quick to grab my attention after, with everything setting into motion for the different characters. Siyon is my beloved messy protagonist and always will be, but I have to say, I really like how Anahid is being developped, even if sometimes I am unsure of how her storyline contributes to the plot. I like that she has her own story, overlapping with the others though, so it is not a weakness in my eyes. Zagiri and her fiery character is interesting too.
Meeting new characters and discovering more about Siyon's power, the politics and the balance of the planes truly is a treat. Usually I am not so much for quick pacing, but Davinia Evans managed to use it in a way that is fine with me and make me want to turn and turn the pages.
Can't wait for book three (especially for one, special character) !

This is an excellent book, possibly even better than its predecessor.

In Shadow Baron, we're back with Siyon, Anahid, Zagiri, and we've got a host of new characters too.

I loved the development of the magic now that the Mundane plane is balanced and monsters! Creatures! Of course there would be mundane beings who aren't human. That was a win.

Not for Bezim, but who cares about Bezim anyway. It's my enjoyment that matters.

I really loved Anahid's storyline in Shadow Baron. It felt like real growth for her and was just plain fun. Siyon, I considered smacking every now and then. If a creepy entity crime lord dude invites you down under the city, just say yes, my guy.

Nothing could go wrong.

Nothing at all...

Zagiri, Jaleh, Laxmi - they were all a delight. Nahith, man, you're oblivious and it's a little painful. But Tehroun is cool because he's basically a cat and I aspire to be that.