The Curse of Shadows by AK Wilder is a gripping and atmospheric young adult fantasy novel. Set in a world where magic is both feared and coveted, the story follows the journey of a young girl named Sable who must unravel the mysteries of her past and confront an ancient curse. Sable is a Shadowchaser, a skilled warrior who hunts and destroys rogue shadows that threaten the balance of her world. But Sable has always felt an unexplained connection to shadows, and her unique abilities make her both feared and ostracized by the people she is sworn to protect. When a powerful shadow prince emerges from the depths of darkness, Sable's life is forever changed. As Sable sets out on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about her heritage and the curse that haunts her, she joins forces with a group of unlikely allies.
Powerful and enigmatic, psychics are the primary spellcasters of the occult world, and the sole practitioners of certain psychic spells of great power. Each psychic approaches her magic through a chosen discipline that grants her special abilities, and her mastery of the art of phrenic amplification allows her to alter and adjust her spells on the fly to suit her needs. If you like playing spellcasting characters such as sorcerers and also enjoy versatility and tinkering, you should consider playing a psychic.
A spiritualist bonds with one of these spirits before that transformation is complete, providing a safe haven for this phantom and gaining a powerful servant in exchange. Master mentalists and consummate liars, mesmerists use their eerie stares to weaken their foes and contingent hypnotic tricks to prepare their allies in advance for bad situations.
As Sable sets out on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth about her heritage and the curse that haunts her, she joins forces with a group of unlikely allies. Together, they navigate treacherous landscapes and confront terrifying creatures. Along the way, Sable discovers the true power of friendship, the strength of her own magic, and the importance of embracing her shadows.
Occult Classes
Beyond the worship of the divine and the studies of arcane scholars lies the mysterious terrain of the mind, accessed through psychic magic. Classes that draw upon psychic magic do so via innate mental abilities, whether they directly cast spells, create elemental effects, or focus psychic energy through objects. Members of these occult classes find themselves drawn to the strange and the hidden; they have connections to the timeless Astral Plane, the haunted bleakness of the Ethereal Plane, and the history of the Material Plane chronicled as psychic impressions in places and objects.
Psychic magic is a third type of magic that functions differently from arcane and divine magic. The rules for casting psychic spells appear in the Psychic Magic section. The occult classes' spell lists include many new spells from Occult Adventures, allowing them to fully express their mental powers. These spells, like other new rules elements, are marked with an asterisk (*).
The Curse of Shadows is a beautifully written and imaginative novel that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of personal choices. AK Wilder paints a vivid and richly detailed world, filled with complex characters and high-stakes adventure. The story is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. What sets The Curse of Shadows apart is its exploration of the concept of shadows as both literal and metaphorical. Wilder skillfully weaves in themes of light and darkness, good and evil, and the blurred lines between them. The protagonist's struggle with her own shadows mirrors a deeper societal conflict, making the story feel timely and relevant. Overall, The Curse of Shadows is a captivating and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of fantasy and young adult literature. AK Wilder's masterful storytelling and heartfelt characters make this novel an unforgettable journey into the power of embracing one's true self, shadows and all..
Reviews for "The Curse of Shadows: A local legend in Ak Wilder"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Curse of Shadows" by AK Wilder to be quite disappointing. The pacing of the story was slow, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The world-building lacked depth, leaving me feeling unimmersed in the fantastical elements the author was trying to convey. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making it difficult to believe in the interactions between the characters. Overall, I was left unsatisfied and would not recommend this book to others.
2. John - 1 star - "Curse of Shadows" was a major letdown for me. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, with numerous subplots that didn't seem to contribute much to the overall story. The writing style was also off-putting, filled with clichés and overly descriptive passages that detracted from the narrative. I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in this book and couldn't wait for it to be over. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was excited to read "Curse of Shadows" based on the promising premise, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The main characters were underdeveloped, making it hard for me to care about their struggles and accomplishments. The magical system was also confusing and poorly explained, leaving me feeling lost throughout the entire book. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed action sequences. Overall, I felt unsatisfied with this read and wouldn't recommend it to others seeking a captivating fantasy novel.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars - "Curse of Shadows" had potential, but it fell flat for me. The plot was predictable, and the twists lacked impact and surprise. The author's attempts at creating suspense fell short, and I found myself disinterested in the outcome of the story. The characters were one-dimensional, lacking depth and believable motivations. The concept of the curse itself was intriguing, but it wasn't explored enough to make the book truly captivating. Overall, I was left wanting more from this story and wouldn't recommend it to avid fantasy readers.