What a fucking ride. James Islington, sir, where have you been? No, where have I been? How have we not crossed paths before? The Shadow of What Was Lost must be the most underrated fantasy story in the bookverse because I didn’t hear about this until I stumbled upon a YouTube video a couple of weeks ago, with a host that gave it high praise. Her positive comments stuck with me so I bought the damn thing. It’s a chunker at 693 pages, but it was so worth it.

Give us the goods.

I’ll just list them all: Awesome magic system. A plot that don’t quit. Subplots that also don’t quit. NO FORCED LOVE INTERESTS. Friendships that give you all the Frodo and Sam feels. Unexpected twists. Heartbreaking deaths. Hate-to-love deceptions. An ending that makes you scream—and then immediately hop in your car, drive to your closest bookstore, and purchase Book Two.

Did you actually do that?

YES. But it’s been sold out for MONTHS. If that doesn’t tell you how many people want to get their hands on this one, I don’t know what will.

This sounds overwhelming.

I’m pleasantly surprised that it actually wasn’t. Islington jam packs this novel with a ton of characters, multiple storylines, historical anecdotes, and easy-to-follow political agendas. The writing is well-paced and offers multiple POV changes within smaller chapters to keep you on your toes. And Islington doesn’t try to scare readers off with egregious info dumps or mountains of unnecessary exposition. The world-building was gradual and was mostly communicated through the character’s actions. AKA: My cup of tea.

Back up, did you say Frodo and Sam?

This has The Lord of the Rings vibes out the ears. (Don’t misunderstand, I’m 100% here for it.) The story begins with Davian, who attends a special school for the Gifted. You’re determined a “Gifted” if you can wield Essence, a power that is feared by all humans. If you have these abilities, you are given a mark (like a tattoo) and are forced to follow the Tenets (a bunch of ridiculous rules), the most important one being that you can’t hurt any non-Gifted for any reason at all. Davian is Gifted but he is about to fail out of school because he can’t access his power. According to the Tenets, if you fail to pass an end-of-year test, you become a Shadow. A Shadow is a former Gifted who is stripped of their Essence. They are seen as disgraces to the community by basically everyone, and to make things worse, the process of becoming a Shadow leaves that unfortunate person marred with visible black scars across their bodies. The night before his test, Davian is approached by a man named Ilseth Tenvar, who sets him on a quest to save him from becoming a Shadow and ultimately find out who he really is. Afterward, shit hits the fan and exciting adventures ensue.

Tenvar gives Davian a bronze box and tells him that it will lead him exactly where he needs to go. Hmm…a trinket the underdog hero needs to protect? Sounds familiar. And who unexpectedly joins him on this quest, you ask? It’s his trusted friend, Wirr. Sure he wasn’t forced to accompany Davian against his will by a disconcertingly tall wizard, but he’s basically Davian’s loyal Sam. It’s not long after they begin their journey that the two meet powerful friends who end up joining them. There’s Caedan, a powerful stranger who has no idea who he is or why he is so powerful. Taeris Sarr, a mysterious and experienced Gifted who knows people in high places. And don’t forget Malshash, Davian’s wise and patient mentor. Dare I say this sounds something like the forming of a fellowship?

It sounds too good to be true.

If you’re not pulled in immediately, just promise me you’ll give it until the 300-page mark. Just trust me. I didn’t think it was too much of a slow burn as I’ve heard other people say, but I understand where they’re coming from. HOWEVER. Just. Keep. Going. There’s a wild turning point and, I promise, you won’t be able to put this down.

Well, now I can’t wait. Can I get a hint?

No.

Absolutely not.

…there’s time travel!

And that’s the last I’ll say about it.

Too lazy to check Goodreads? I got you:

Title: The Shadow of What Was Lost
Author: James Islington
Series: The Licanius Trilogy #1
Pages: 693 (paperback)
Publish Date: August 4, 2014

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