The Well of Shadows by Sabrina Blaum is a New Adult quest fantasy about forbidden love, forbidden knowledge, and the freedom that can come when you have the courage to question exactly why they are forbidden.
The dead, for the most part, move on. But for those who did not lead righteous lives, their spirits are trapped in a corporeal form. They are called Verlohren and they lead a painful existence somewhere between life and death, unable to pass on completely until they atone for their past sins. Because of this, Verlohren are treated with disdain and cruelty, despised by the Living for their perceived past wrongdoings and unsavoury natures.
For hundreds of years the people of Saltung have lived in safety. The Council of the Living has protected them from violence and rebellion from the Verlohren and their sympathizers. The Council was conceived and first lead by a Morgen, and as tradition dictates, has been headed by one ever since.
Christina Morgen has spent her entire life preparing to fulfill her destiny and become the next leader of Saltung. Unlike her unconventional and unfortunately deceased younger brother, she has trained tirelessly, studied hard and become a powerful mage. Chris is about to enter the last phase of her initiation but between her arranged engagement to the brutish Lance, and the resurfacing of someone she lost long ago, her carefully constructed view of the world is slowly crumbling around her.
Even in life, Dylan was hesitant to believe the stories about the Verlohren. Now that he has become one, he is determined to dismantle the false beliefs surrounding them. When he and his friend Aimee get wind of an ancient tome that promises to reveal the true history of their people, they embark on a dangerous quest to find it. But collapsing a belief system is no easy task and they can’t do it alone. They must convince one of the Living to help them, and who better than his sister, the future head of The Council of the Living?
Pros And My Favourite Parts
The characters are wonderful and I enjoyed watching their progression throughout the book. They are witty, bold and engaging and they perfectly encapsulate the more open-minded and visionary characteristics of youth. When you combine the idealism of Dylan, the pragmatism of Aimee and the determination and altruism of Chris, you end up with a trio that can change the world, and that is precisely what they set out to do.
However, the two things that really blew me away in to this book were the originality of the world building and mythology as well as the examination of history and belief systems, especially through the eyes of younger protagonists.
Cons And Heads Up
This book has dark components such as torture, oppression and othering, but clearly demonstrates the faults and inadequacies of a society that is founded upon, and allows these atrocities to continue.
I have to admit, the budding relationship between Chris and Aimee may have made me a little squicky at first. I mean… technically Aimee is dead. But Blaum handles it well and by the end I was completely cheering for their happiness. Stylistically, the narrative is heavy on dialogue which some people aren’t a fan of, though I found it provided great insight into the characters thoughts and emotions.
Also, I feel like the cover portrays the book as more of an urban fantasy whereas I envisioned the setting being more on the feudal side of fantasy.
The Conclusion
This book is ideal for readers looking for a unique and fast paced fantasy with magic, an intriguing mythology, quests, and reluctant young heroes and heroines challenging the status quo and toppling evil regimes.
Excerpt from The Well of Shadows by Sabrina Blaum
“Are you crazy? You love your sister, that’s cool, and I’m not suggesting she’d do anything to harm you, but you said yourself she doesn’t like the Verlohren. Why would she help us?”
Dylan smacked his pen on the table and rose. “Why wouldn’t she? She’s not a monster!”
“I never said she was.”
“Sorry. Listen, this is… I’m nervous, ‘K? I told you we’d grown apart, but I can’t imagine she’d close her eyes and turn us away once she knows the truth.”
“You’re forgetting one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“As a loved one, she cannot see or hear you. How will you tell her anything when that’s not possible?”
“That’ll be your job.”
“That easy, huh? Why should she believe me? There are limits. I’m not burning for you to make peace with your sister!”
“I’m sorry Aimee. I don’t want to put you in this position, but given what’s at stake, don’t we owe it to…all of us to try? Imagine what it would mean to have the heir of the Council on our side?”
“Yes. I know. Everything. I just don’t trust her.”
“You don’t even know her.”
“She considers us defective, Dylan! You said so!”
“Yes, but now—“
“What? When she finds out her precious baby brother is one of them, she’ll change her tune? Dismiss everything she’s ever learned? Turn her back on her family? Her birthright?
“I’m her family, too,” Dylan exclaimed. “Besides, she’s not like that. Chris doesn’t care about her legacy. And for the record, I did that. I rejected all they’ve ever taught me! I created a network of Living who help and support the Verlohren, who hire them and give them access to their money. How do you think I got the funds for this house?
“I know, I know. But you did most of that while you were still alive. she’s firmly in the camp of ‘Living good-Verlohren bad.’”
“We will see. If you’re right and she knows, I’m assuming she dashed to the cave, so she could be here any moment.”
Aimee grunted and flopped down on the couch. “That was another dumb part of the plan.”
“Hey! Stop being so mean.”
“I’m not mean. I am the reality to your fantasy. You gave the heir of the Council of the Living the location of our home.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 9781737685111
Publisher: Indie Author / Babette B. Publishing
Sabrina Blaum Online
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