I was so excited when I was invited to read The Assassin's Shadow, especially when it was for lovers of Joe Abercrombie and Jay Kristoff; and it did not disappoint, and I ams so glad it is the first in a series.

I loved the world-building, the characters, the descriptions of the settings and fantasy creatures which sent my mind into imagination overdrive, and there was so much action and adventure I flew through the pages. I also loved the sense of humour

Locan A'Shadow, who has a reputation as a deadly assassin, and posh Cetrik, join hands (after Cetrik runs away from his family), and embark on a quest to save the people and villages of Narlond from a vampyre enemy of Locan. The beginning is written from Cetrik's POV giving a sort of back story in a storytelling way and progresses showing how he has changed over time throughout the story since meeting Locan. I loved the dynamics between Locan and Cetrik which was really humorous at times. I also really loved some of the side characters (Elbows, Urlissa) which really added more depth to the story and gave it more character.

I definitely got Lord of the Rings vibes from this book and I am really looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

I couldn't get into this book it took me a while. The characters were likeable enough and the worldbuilding was brilliant but to me it just dragged a little.. it did get more exciting as it went through and it makes for a good first book for a new fantasy series following the classic fantasy book writing style and storyline.

ARC Review
I want to say thank you to secondskybooks for this HUGE honor of being on this book tour and having the experience of reading an ARC for them
This book written by R.S. Moule is full of brilliant world building that reminded me of Lord of the Rings and Game Of Thrones, painting a picture with words that immersed me into this universe.
The characters, while well-written I felt lacked a small bit of depth compared to the rest of the world but I did have moments of connection as we got to understand the reasonings behind some of their past experiences.
i definitely went out of my normal comfort zone with this read and it was an amazing experience to see how much I’ve grown and evolved as a reader.
Overall, I rate this book a 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
this is a personal review, please know if you read and feel differently that is okay!
reading is not one size fits all.
thank you for the opportunity and the experience.

5/5 ⭐️

Would I reread this? You bet I would.
Would I recommend this to a friend? Absolutely.
Will I be reading the next one? Yes!

This book had me hooked from the start— specifically from this line in the first chapter, “I had just crossed the border into Narlond when I killed a man for the first time.”

Moule’s writing is absolutely magical. I love books with anything to do with epic adventures, vampires and assassins, and this one was 🤌🏻🤌🏻. I felt like this book gave Skyrim x Lord of the Rings vibes, and it perfectly captivated me (I am a HUGE Skyrim fan, and will eat anything even remotely similar up). This captured it perfectly. I felt like I had been teleported into the incredible world with luscious world building and fierce characters. The writing, the plot, the characters were all perfectly articulated and I devoured it.

I am eagerly looking forward to the next one. It really stood out as a well done epic fantasy. I hope this comes out as a special edition because I would love to have it on my shelf!!

This is Book 1 of the Legends of the Shadow Series.

With its amazing artwork cover and enticing blurb, this was a book I knew I had to read.

The story follows a young man named Cetrik as he tries to find the lengendry assassin, Locan.

Cetrik was an interesting character and one with an intriguing family history. He was one you could relate to, and I enjoyed seeing his character develop through the book.

Locan... well, he was an oddity! I did enjoy meeting him, though, and learning more about him. He really is a shadow at play.

The writing takes on an epic fantasy feel, with intricate world-building and weird and wonderful creatures, it has all the makings of a great fantasy.

It's a great book for fantasy or people who would like to try something new and different!

Thank you NetGalley and Second Sky for this eCopy to review

I recently read "The Assassin's Shadow" by R.S. Moule, and it was quite an engaging start to a new fantasy series.

The story centres around Locan A'Shadow, once the deadliest assassin in the Dominion, now living a quiet life at the edge of the world. However, his past catches up with him when bandits raid the farm he is working on, forcing him to reveal his formidable skills. The attack is orchestrated by Solis Deadhand, a vampire Locan thought he had killed years ago, who is now building an empire of blood and magic in the north.

Locan, accompanied by an idealistic young noble and a beautiful elf sorcerer, embarks on a perilous journey through haunted forests and snow-capped mountains to confront this ancient enemy. The novel is filled with action, political intrigue, and a rich tapestry of world-building that draws you in from the start.

"The Assassin's Shadow" is a promising beginning to the "Legends of the Shadow" series and a must-read for fans of epic fantasy.

This story starts with a man named Cetrik recounting the past, starting with him going on an adventure and leading him to interesting encounters and on the search for a legendary assassin.
There's found family and of course secrets and obstacles to overcome.

The writing style is enjoyable and the way the story is told reminded me of big classics like Brent Week's The Way of Shadows and also Patrick Rothfuss' Name of the Wind. It certainly has the mentor/apprentice and chronicler/living legend feel and dynamic.

I had a good time reading Cetrik's tale though I am not sure if I will continue his adventures as I enjoy the above mentioned classics more, I might read this book again before I make a decision.
Fans of classic fantasy will love this though!

This is a brand new fantasy series, and I just had to read it. I have read previous books by this author and know they write immersive tales. I just hoped that this new series would be as good.

The Assassin's Shadow is a thrilling and solid start to the Legends of the Shadow series. The world building snatched me away from real life, and I was sucked right into Locan's world. This is exactly what reading is for, in my opinion. To escape the stresses and strains of my everyday life. R.S. Moule has the ability to do exactly this.

The characters grabbed my attention, and their journey is packed full of tension, excitement, and moments of holding my breath! The character development is so clear, and the foundations are firmly in place for the next book to build upon.

I didn't want this book to end. In one breath, I was turning the pages so quick, and in the other, I prayed I didn't reach the conclusion too quickly. As always with R.S Moule, I  can't wait to see what is in store for the characters next. Thanks to Second Sky and NetGalley for my ebook to write my honest review.

I was very excited to read this since Moule’s previous serious was absolutely outstanding. This book was definitely good but not exactly good enough to want to read again. It gives me a D&D vibe with familiar characters with a slight twist to them. Vampires, elves, trolls, etc.
Some of the scenes had a little horror sprinkled in it which I liked. I think the big kicker for me was the character work was pretty bland. I absolutely think his previous series is a must read and I think you should start there before reading this book.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

The Prince is not highly thought of by his family and he decides to leave his home and search for the greatest assassin ever known, Locan A’Shadow. They will meet by accident when bandits attack Locan’s home and kidnap the children. Who is behind this attack and what do they want with children? It seems Solis Deadhand is not dead as thought and he wants the children for their hearts. He must be stopped no matter the cost.

Loved this very well written novel. The audiobook was also very well narrated (I enjoyed both versions). Great characters full of personality, qualities and faults. Well paced and action packed. Fights will be fought, deals made and broken, friends lost and dangers faced. A real adventure so highly recommend.

This book had so much potential but unfortunately I just struggled through it 🙁 maybe the whole Nordic viking stuff isn't for me. I did like the writing and the fact that we were basically reading Cetriks journal but i feel like it was just missing a big twist or heartbreaking moment... there were maybe 2 or 3 "omg" moments but they just fizzled out and were never made it anything more... a shame because I was excited to read it!

3.5. (Rounded up) This was a fun epic coming-of-age fantasy about Cetrik and the famed assassin, Locan A’Shadow. The world building was extensive with creatures such as vampires and elves and all the political intrigue one could want. It was refreshing to read about a young man who could actually feel his feelings- who could cry and grieve and love and have his heart broken. I enjoyed the side characters, especially Morvolt, the horse with an attitude. While the pace erred on slow, the plot was compelling.

I did not like the extensive politics that occurred around the 80% mark. I know it was necessary for the plot, but I feel like it could have been woven throughout the story instead of bundled near the end out of necessity. Cetrik’s brother deserved more character development.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. I will be reading the next book in the series. Thank you Second Sky for the advanced egalley.

1.5🌟

I almost DNF’d this book at 40% and several times since. However I was determined to stick it out to figure out if Morvolt was a mythical creature. Because that is the only explanation how a horse and riding could be described so terribly even if one has never seen a horse in real life. Unfortunately that was never explained and once you’re thrown out of the story because of the riding/Morvolt you’ll notice the plot holes and grammatical errors and red flags.

I gave it a half star for the fact that due to the overly verbose writing I did have dreams about vampires so gotta give credit for vivid imagery even if there was poor world building.

Loved this storyline so much! Had my attention from the start and never lost it. Very intriguing plot and characters. Looking forward to the next book!

Compelling debut fantasy. I went in not really knowing what to expect but enjoyed the story over all. Though it felt predictable and low stakes. It is a bit slow paced for the most part , told as Cetrik our lead as he recounts the past. Leading from when he leaves his family to set out in search of a legendary assassin. Things do pick up through out in the end. He of course begins naive but learns things are not always as expected. An interesting magic system, that brings together adventure, secrets and found family.
In general I feel like the story and characters make for a decent light read that many that are fans of classic fantasy can enjoy.
Im not quite sure yet if I will continue the series.

Great book! Action packed, silliness, humour, great character development and i love the fact the main protagonist were men!
Lorcan was my favourite character the whole way through this book.
The magic system in them is book was very unique!

Would 100%recommend this book to anyone.
Happy release day for the 14th March R.S. Moule ❤️
Thank you so much Net Galley and Second Sky books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book! I have not read as much high fantasy, so this was really interesting and out of my usual comfort zone! I enjoyed the world building, and didn’t find it too difficult to follow. It was entirely in first person, and I tend to prefer third person point of view to get a broader scope of the world and get more in depth with multiple chapters. I definitely need to know more about Locan and why he is the way he is! 4/5 stars overall for me!

Starting this book and discovering a classic epic fantasy was like breathing fresh air because sometime you have to read something classic, something which like a small black dress that you will always enjoy.
It's a fast paced, action packed story. I fell in love with the narrator since the beginning and loved the self deprecating tone and the promisses of plenty of adventure, creatures, a remote kingdom.
I was disappointed and had a lot of fun. I can't wait for the next novel
Go and enjoy it
Many thanks to Second Sky for this digital copy, all opinions are mine

Thank you, Netgalley, for this arc!

Sadly, this book wasn't for me. I had to DNF this cause I was kinda disappointed. I did like that it reminded me of Lord of The Rings/The Hobbit, but that's it. I was at times just confused and did not understand what was happening. The characters felt flat to me. There was action in the book, but I didn't feel the suspense, the excitement.

This is my opinion on this book. Do not let this demotivate you. Perhaps you'll love this book!

Full of action, intensity and high stakes. I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the chance to read this.