As a huge fan of assassin tales, I knew I had to pick this up. As much as I love a good assassin tale, I wish this was a female assassin. But still, Locan was fun and it was great to go on this adventure with him. The vampire element was also a pleasant surprise. Very reminiscent of Jay Kristoff. I just wanted more from the story, especially as it is advertised as epic fantasy. I think the overall story was a bit rinse and repeat but the series has promise and I'd read book 2.

I really enjoyed the pacing of the story and how immersive the world building was throughout. It felt like there was never a dull moment, especially with some suspenseful elements, I think there could have been a deeper dive and attachment to the characters- I love to be so invested that I feel a semblance of what they feel. All-in-all, I did really enjoy the story and I'm so glad I read it. It's the kind of fantasy immersion that I really enjoy.

A good read, a fun story, Moule does a great job making me care about the characters. I was worried about their actions, which is the only way to have a reader care about the story itself.

Cetrik is on a mission, just not the one he thinks he is. His only plan is to find the legendary assassin Locan A’shadow. Through mishaps and dumb look he finds exactly who he’s looking for, but Locan didn’t want to be found, he’s left the life behind him and planned to live the rest of his life on a farm doing simple work and drinking anything he can get his hands on. Dragged from his retirement, Locan and Cetrik trek across the land in search of the children stolen by the bandits that attacked the farm, the mastermind behind the attacks and kidnappings is not only a vicious enemy of Locans but he was supposed to have been killed, but now he’s back with more power and crueler intentions. Locan is a killing machine, a legendary tale, but even he can’t beat blood magic alone. Cetrik, young and naive, adds an ethnical and hopeful balance to Locans brutality and skill. We all have secrets, even Cetrik, and these secrets will both hinder and empower their journey to save themselves and the lands around them.

I gave this a solid effort (10%), but just couldn’t get into it. At first I wondered if it was because I read so many fantasy books with female protagonists, but then I realized I’ve recently loved books with male protagonists, so I’m not sure why it didn’t click. Maybe the flashback format was a bigger culprit - it’s not my favorite method of storytelling for a number of reasons.

I kept trying to go back to this and read it so it wouldn’t be staring at me on my shelf but eventually I had to throw in the towel. I am still very grateful to Second Sky & NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advance reader copy!

Very interesting after getting through the first 1/3. Great wold building with lots of excitement. imaginative, and well written..would definitely recommend..

This book wasn’t for me. The world building was fantastic and great pacing but it just personally wasn’t for me. I think if you are a high fantasy lover and you find male lead stories more compelling, then this will definitely for you. For myself, I don’t read a lot of male lead fantasy so I found it hard to stick with.

I loved the three books in the Erland saga, and I loved this book equally as much. I think RS Moule is a rising star, and I'm eager for Shadow Book 2 to come along soon.

The prose, the story construction, the character building, the world scenario building, are all excellent. I've compared this author to Tolkein before in these regards, and unashamedly do the same again for this book. The imagination to come up with this epic fantasy plot is quite something.

There's also a good strand of humour throughout, with Locan, Elbows, Cetrik, and other colourful characters raising the odd chuckle.

I won't precis the book here, as it's now on general release and I can't add to the book cover, but this book and author get my strong recommendation.

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the advanced copy to review.

I think that previous books by this author outshine this one, unfortunately. Although the story is solid and entertaining the characters are lacking, I did not connect to them and found that I really didn't care much about them or what happened to them. For me not being able to connect with characters is a big deal. Again, story is solid and it's a decent read, just not something I will revisit.

A Shadow Worth Waiting For: A Review of R.S. Moule's "The Assassin's Shadow"

R.S. Moule has crafted a truly captivating work of fantasy with "The Assassin's Shadow," a novel that plunges readers into a world teeming with adventure and pulse-pounding action. From the very first page, I was swept away by a narrative that felt both intricate and relentlessly paced. Moule masterfully weaves a tale where danger lurks around every corner, and the protagonist's journey is a constant barrage of thrilling encounters and daring escapades.

The author deserves high praise for creating such a compelling fantasy world. The lore feels rich and well-developed, providing a solid foundation for the high-stakes adventure that unfolds. Whether it was navigating treacherous landscapes, engaging in expertly choreographed fight sequences, or uncovering ancient secrets, "The Assassin's Shadow" consistently delivered on its promise of excitement. The action is visceral and impactful, keeping you on the edge of your seat, while the sense of adventure propels you forward, eager to discover what lies beyond the next horizon.

While "The Assassin's Shadow" was published some time ago, life and work unfortunately conspired to delay my completion of this fantastic title. However, I can unequivocally say that finally reaching the end was well worth the wait. The immersive world, the compelling characters, and the expertly crafted plot all culminated in a satisfying and memorable reading experience.

If you're a fan of fantasy novels that deliver on both thrilling adventure and high-octane action, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up "The Assassin's Shadow" by R.S. Moule. It's a testament to the author's skill in the genre and a book that will undoubtedly leave you eager for more. Don't let life's interruptions deter you; this is one shadow you'll be glad you chased to the very end.

Rating: 4.5/5 - but can't do anything less than full marks for each star.

Such an amazing read. So full of adventure. Kept me hooked and reading! Will for sure read more from this author!

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Assassins? Dragons? Fantasy? Yeah sign me up. The Assassin’s Shadow follows Locan as he hunts down his enemy who forced his hand to reveal his secret - he is the greatest assassin who ever lived.

This book was good, some scenes did drag a little, but overall the D&D vibe won me over. I did wish there was more to the quest, but the character development and humour does make up for it. I will definitely be continuing this series as the next book is released.

Thank you to NetGalley and SecondSky books for the eARC of this book. I leave this review honestly and freely.

First in a fantasy series.
A slightly feckless young royal sneaks off to follow his dream of finding a legendary assassin. In doing so (and finding him rather too easily) he becomes involved in a battle against evil that threatens the whole world.
Lots of familiar tropes but in fairness to the author there are slight twists. Our hero doesn’t become a skilled warrior overnight, his companions are suspicious of him and our assassin is not that great a guy. So not a tight band of warriors!
There is slightly confusing world building where you have to accept or assume lots, but once it gets going this is a fun read.

What a great new series! Thoroughly enjoyed this, some great characters and storyline.
I’m really enjoying some epic fantasy books lately and this didn’t disappoint.
I shall be eager to continue this series

Great characters good storyline. Hooked from the first chapter. Thanks for letting me review. Would continue the series

Another amazing story from R.S.Moule. His imagination is remarkable. The stories are always gripping and difficult to put down. I am sure there are more to come, can't wait!

The first in a new epic fantasy adventure, The Assasssin's Shadow is the story of Lorcan A'Shadow, told from the POV of Cetrik, a would-be writer who has fled his home in search of his hero.

As Cetrik recounts past adventures both whilst searching for and with Lorcan, slow but steady worldbuilding, intriguing character depiction, and intensity ensue, with the introduction of vampires, elves, and blood magic.

The coming of age character arc of Cetrik is splendid, and the gory battle scenes quite something. Readers of Tad Williams and viewers of The Wheel of Time should find much to enjoy here.

The Assassin's Shadow is the newest novel by R.S Moule, I adored his debut trilogy The Erland Saga so I was incredibly excited to get my hands on this book. I wasn’t disappointed.

The Assassin’s Shadow is a wonderful introduction to a vibrant action packed world. Retired assassins, shadow magic, elves, werewolves, and much more.

“Fool as I was, I miss that boy. I miss the certainty of youth. I miss having dreams.”

Cetrik the narrator of the story is a young idealistic nobleman who runs away from home in search of a fabled assassin. Without giving anymore spoilers adventure then ensues. Cetrik reads almost like Druss was written from a young Sieben’s POV which I love.

If anyone finds some fantasy books a bit too slow paced The Assassins Shadow is definitely for you, full of action with the story constantly progressing. I’m very excited for the next instalment!

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for the eArc

I looked forward to reading The Assassin's Shadow given my experience with the author's Erland Saga series. Unfortunately, it did not go as expected. The story and the characters didn't resonate with me. I stuck it out hoping it would get better, but it never did for me.

I always look forward to the start of a new fantasy series and I did enjoy reading this action packed story. even though at times it felt rather long-winded. The world building and descriptions of the places and landscapes were good. All the usual tropes were there and of course, there was a really nasty bad character to rail against.

The characters were interesting but I felt they could have been developed a bit more, I wanted to know more about their backgrounds and less about the politics of where they came from. Cetrik is young, naive and guileless, looking for adventure and Locan A'Shadow is the cynical older character who really doesn't want to be involved. I thought the characters were good and I did feel connected to them. I would have liked to have had more of Cetrik's brother in the book to build his character though.

Overall, it was a good read even if it was rather long-winded at times and I wanted to skip parts to get on with the action. I wouldn't read it again but I may well pick up book two once it is available.