Shadowborne

The Relics of Antiquity, Book 1

By: Matthew Callahan

Narrated by: Eric Michael Summerer

Length: 13 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's summary

They'd trained their entire lives to be heroes, only to discover they're no longer needed....

The Shadowborne had always fascinated Will. His grandfather's stories told of mythical warriors wielding dark, ancient magic, defending justice and battling dragons. But that's all they were, bedtime stories...until the Shadows embraced Will himself.

Now, propelled from the normal world into the mythical realm of Aeril, Will must learn to control his newfound power while discovering his place in this strange, new world. With his brother, Madigan, at his side, he sets off on a journey to uncover the truth of a secret that has been buried for centuries. For an ancient evil is stirring in Aeril, an evil that seeks to destroy the very fabric of reality. Can Will and Madigan discover the key to saving Aeril before all is lost?

If you like fast-paced action, raw emotions, and dark supernatural forces, then you’ll love unlocking the secrets of this epic adventure.

©2019 Matthew Callahan (P)2020 Podium Audio

Story could use a little refining, overall good read.

Great balance of darkness and detail. The detail isn’t overly graphic but you definitely get an understanding of the horror that they witness or do. The story itself is really good but, could use some refining. Example, its good to leave some mystery to a character. Here, there is just too many introduced and never filled out. I disagree with others who disliked the manipulation done to Will by the girl. It’s very believable, it’s something that happens all too often in real life. Families and friendships are often torn apart due to a toxic relationship. This was also a missed opportunity for us to get to know the girl and really love or hate her. As it is I actually don’t remember her name already. The overall story line is very interesting and really pulled me in. I loved the relationship of the two brothers and their grand-da. I just wish more of each character introduced could have been provided. Offer more experience with each character so the reader can form some type of emotion as the main characters interact with them. I’d rather hate a character than by the end still have no opinion of them.

It’s starts slow

It does start slow but once’s I reached chapter four, it was pulling me in. It’s a rainy day listen.

Cursing is too forced and doesn't add any value

The story of the brothers are relatable and could have been built on thier struggles, growth, and adventures. The cursing doesn't add value and inaccurate. Going from gods to god**** in the same sentence. There are times were the cursing could add a strong emphasis and passion but it doesn't. This series misses the opportunity of a story of two brothers coming of age, learning from mistakes, and overcoming prejudices.

awesome book

it is a rally good listen and narrator is great for me the story is a bit iffy at times but still allout a good read

Good world building but…

The author makes a convincing argument for there actions but … The main characters could have been better prepared with information and their own expectations. Makes me want to read more bit also the missing information is driving me insane.

Love the way this authors mind works.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series. I listened to these 2 books in a weekend. I am now obsessed! Now I am waiting for 2 authors to publish their 3rd book in the series, Matthew Callahan and Patrick rothfuss.

it kept my interest! pretty good

I thought the storyline was pretty good, and it was narrated really well. I have a major problem with focusing, but it kept my attention the whole way through! I'm going to listen to the next one!

not for me

this was not as action packed as advertised. more a long drawn out story than anything. it was a good story but could have been so much better.

Could not finish

Could not continue to listen to the book. The way the boy calls is grandfather “grandda” was too annoying

Discouraged Listener

I made it 9 chapters into the book and just could listen any more due to the frequency of the vulgarity. I was really enjoying the development of characters and where tge story was going. I find being surrounded by such in regular life I don't need to entertained by it, so I can't recommend this as a good listen.