The dark magic book of shadows and thorns is a powerful and enigmatic text that delves into the realms of forbidden knowledge. This ancient tome is said to hold the secrets of dark arts and curses, making it a coveted item by practitioners of the occult. The book is adorned with intricate thorny designs that symbolize the dangers and risks associated with delving into the darker side of magic. The sharp thorns serve as a warning to those who dare to open its pages, indicating that one must tread carefully when working with such forbidden knowledge. Within the pages of the book, one can find spells and rituals that are designed to harness the power of darkness. These spells are not for the faint of heart, as they require the practitioner to tap into their deepest, darkest desires and emotions.
These spells are not for the faint of heart, as they require the practitioner to tap into their deepest, darkest desires and emotions. It is said that these spells can bring about great power and control, but they also come with a heavy price. One of the main themes that run through the book is the concept of balance.
Book Review: Shadow Magic by Joshua Khan
Thorn, an outlaw’s son, wasn’t supposed to be a slave. He never should have run away from home, leaving his mother and siblings to fend for themselves. Now he’s been sold to Tyburn, an executioner, and they’re headed to Castle Gloom in Gehenna, the land of undead, where Thorn will probably be fed to a vampire.
Lilith Shadow wasn’t supposed to be ruler of Gehenna. But on the terrible day her father, mother, and brother were killed, young Lily became the last surviving member of House Shadow, a long line of dark sorcerers. Her country is surrounded by enemies and the only way she can save it is by embracing her heritage and practicing the magic of the undead. But how can she when, as a girl, magic is forbidden to her?
Just when it looks like Lily will have to leave her home forever, Thorn arrives at Castle Gloom. A sudden death brings them together, inspires them to break the rules, and leads them to soar to new heights in this fantasy with all the sparkle and luster of a starry night sky.
Stand alone or series: Book 1 in a new series
How did I get this book: Review copy
Format (e- or p-): ecopy
Review:
There in the land of the undead, high atop a valley of death houses, lies Castle Gloom, the stronghold of House Shadow. Inhabited by those who dwell and embrace the dark, the Shadows are as feared and maligned as they are fierce and loyal to each other.
Lily Shadow is the new ruler of Gehenna and the new Lady of House Shadow after her entire family was murdered. As a descendant of the Six Princes, in a line of dark sorcerers and necromancers Lily might have the right shadowy heritage but the wrong gender – magic is forbidden to women – to fully practice the magic of her ancestors. What is she to do when she clearly show signs of a power that hasn’t been seen in hundreds of years? What is she to do when she is told she needs to marry the heir to a kingdom so different – and so distant – from hers because as a girl there is nothing else she can do to keep her House alive?
Thorn is an outlaw’s son, on the search for his beloved father when he is captured and sold as a slave to Tyburn, House Shadow’s executioner. Uneducated, poor and without prospects, what is he to do when he is confronted by a situation he has no control of, by truths he doesn’t care to hear and by a young heir in trouble?
Shadow Magic is an exciting novel that takes turns being a fun romp, a family saga, a murder mystery, an epic Fantasy of diverse kingdoms and types of magic but which is ultimately a story of friendship, of learning and coming of age. The friendship that develops between Thorn, Lily and Prince-Hostage K’Leef is a central facet that beautifully underscores each character’s individual journey. Thorn and his father or Lily and her uncle. Thorn and his “lack” of heritage and power matching Lily’s and her own excess of heritage (which can be both freedom and burden). They are both tested in different ways and I just loved how Lily’s arc is all about diplomacy, power and learning. It’s also interesting to see how the idea of image, true selves is played out throughout as the characters need to hide who they are for a myriad of reasons.
The story and characters truly come into their own in the second part, closer to the ending. That’s when all the different storylines converge, the motivations are cleared, the twists happen and the characters grow and settle in their roles. The main characters, as young as they are (13) do learn difficult lessons: about who to trust and why; about what history tells you and why; about the meaning and importance of learning as well as the meaning and importance of instinct.
Light is dark, dark is light, bats are pets, zombies are friendly members of family and the heroes are not who you expect them to be in this fun, slightly subversive Fantasy that straddles the line between Middle Grade and Young Adult.
Rating: 7
There in the land of the undead, high atop a valley of death houses, lies Castle Gloom, the stronghold of House Shadow. Inhabited by those who dwell and embrace the dark, the Shadows are as feared and maligned as they are fierce and loyal to each other.
The book emphasizes the idea that every action has a reaction, and that one must be prepared to face the consequences of their deeds. Dark magic, it warns, is not to be taken lightly, as it can have dire consequences on the wielder and those around them. While the book may seem alluring to those seeking power, it also serves as a cautionary tale. It is a reminder that one cannot escape the repercussions of their actions, no matter how powerful they may become. The thorns that adorn the book's cover serve as a constant reminder of the dangers and risks that come with delving into dark magic. In summary, the dark magic book of shadows and thorns is a powerful and dangerous text that explores the realms of forbidden knowledge. It serves as a warning to those who seek power at any cost, reminding them of the balance that must be maintained and the consequences that come with delving into the dark arts..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Forbidden Spells within the Dark Magic Book of Shadows and Thorns"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars:
I was really disappointed with "Dark Magic Book of Shadows and Thorns". The storyline felt predictable and the characters were one-dimensional. The magical elements were poorly developed and lacked depth. It felt like the author was just trying to cash in on the popularity of dark magic without putting in much effort into creating a unique and compelling story. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not recommend it to others.
2. Emma - 1/5 stars:
I can honestly say that "Dark Magic Book of Shadows and Thorns" is one of the worst books I have ever read. The writing was trite and cliché, and the plot felt disjointed and poorly constructed. The characters were unlikeable and lacked any depth or development. It was a struggle to make it through the entire book and I regret wasting my time on it. I would advise others to steer clear of this novel and find something more worthwhile to read.
3. Mike - 2/5 stars:
I'm an avid reader of fantasy novels, but "Dark Magic Book of Shadows and Thorns" left me feeling unsatisfied. While the concept had potential, the execution fell flat. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by rushed and confusing action sequences. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. In the end, I was left feeling disappointed and unimpressed. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more engaging and well-written fantasy book.