The Shadow Gate by L.L. MacRae

I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Opening the shadow gate is the only way Fenn’s memories can be restored—and with them, his life and family.

It could also destroy the world.

Guided by dragon spirit Hassen and manipulated by the Myr, Fenn fights the corruption spreading through Tassar—and himself—in an attempt to find his family. Separated from his allies and unable to trust even his own mind, the arduous journey takes its toll.

Far from home and reunited with her sister, Calidra battles to keep her loved ones safe. But when the fickle loyalties of dragon spirits shifts, and darkness lurks around every corner, running from her fears is no longer an option.

And in the far south, consequences of the past catch up with those fighting for their freedom.

Book two in the DRAGON SPIRITS epic fantasy trilogy! Return to the magic-drenched world of Tassar, where ancient artefacts awaken and the seeds of corruption are sown.

The Shadow Gate is yet another phenomenal outing from Macrae. She has a way of turning words into gold. A freshly imagined world and a fantastical plot full of twits and turns.

The Shadow Gate is the long-awaited sequel to The Iron Crown which I enjoyed immensely.  I was left hungering for more – characterisation, world building and a plot tighter than two coats of paint left me itching to know what would happen next. I read this before the sprawling fantasy novel was entered into SPFBO #7 and subsequently became a finalist. There was always something special about it, it was always evident that others would feel the same way. Reading this series is an investment, one that won’t leave you disappointed.

I am a complete sucker when it comes to a fantasy novel with dragons in it. It’s a sure way of getting me invested in the story to come and the sequel almost manages to pack more dragon action into the story if that was at all possible. I can’t emphasis enough how excited I am to see just how this series is going to be wrapped up – there’s still so much potential and conflict to be resolved, it’s going to be fun.

So, Malora – I really want to talk about this character. So many surprises along each character’s arc and I found this one fascinating. A character with so many nuances and layers but isn’t that just like people you meet in the real world anyway. We discover alongside her sister that Malora was once blessed by a dragon spirit, she was favoured for some reason. But like a lot of humans, she turned away from him in favour of greater riches, bigger prizes and she lost contact with the dragon. Like the dragon suggested to Malora during their showdown – he should’ve been the biggest prize to seek. I can’t help but agree with him – I mean, how cool would it be to be connected to such a majestic and powerful creature such as a dragon. I’d move heaven and earth to be in her position.

Again, I found myself leaning towards Fenn being one of my favourite characters. He isn’t simple, he isn’t easy to work out, but he shouldn’t be. He’s still struggling with his memories. I can’t imagine the inner turmoil he’s going through, well we can, because Macrae’s writing does a spectacular job of allowing the reader to peer into Fenn’s inner monologue. She has a brilliant talent for making the many layers of humanity seen less complex but more understandable. He became cursed by the Myr in The Iron Crown and blessed by the dragon spirit, Hassen we are rewarded with some great scenes between the two. He must travel on dangerous seas and mountainous trails to find The Citrine Key to regain his memories, but his travelling companions seem intent on destroying the key before he has a chance to use it to his benefit.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

My name is Lauren, and I’m a fantasy author of character-driven stories and epic adventure. My books usually contain dragons, bucket-loads of magic, and are typically fun and hopeful.

 I live in a tiny village in the English countryside, have a degree in Psychology, and was a professional copywriter before going full-time as an author—swapping corporate copy for magic and dragons!

If you’d like to get in touch, you can email lauren@llmacrae.com.

Best wishes and happy reading,

Lauren

L.L. MacRae