The Shadow Rises

Witch-Hunter, Book 1

De: K.S. Marsden

Narrado por: Jonathan Ip

When a new witch threat rises, only Hunter Astley can stop it....

In the face of dark magic and evil witches, a secret witch-hunting society works tirelessly to keep them at bay. The Malleus Maleficarum Council has strict rules and practises for eradicating magic.

Due to their work, witches have been almost forgotten, relegated to myth; but the rumours are starting to emerge of a new power that will throw the world into chaos.

As the only seventh generation witch-hunter, Hunter Astley is the best the MMC has to offer. With the help of his colleagues, it’s a race to track down this new threat and stop it...in any way he can.

Part one of the Witch-Hunter trilogy.

©2013 K.S. Marsden (P)2018 K.S. Marsden

The hunter hunt begins...:)

'The Shadow Rises' is the first book in the series - and you can feel it. It has all the elements I like in a good story about the paranormal/witchcraft/magic, but it also has some flaws that are often unavoidable in a first of any series...

The strength of the book are definitely the main characters - Hunter, James and Sophie. They are intriguing, deep, with some well developed background stories, and yet still not so obvious to the reader/listener that you'd say 'I already know everything there's to know about them'... The world of witches and witch hunters is also very well explained, and the idea of the importance of which generation a hunter belongs to and the consequences of that fact gives it a twist not found anywhere else, I think. Another strong point? The description of the development of relationships between different characters is very good - we feel that development, we see the relationships evolving, changing, tightening or loosening...

The weakness of the book, then? There are so many things that have to be explained for the reader/listener to understand the realities of the world created by the author, that the plot itself and the pace of the tale take the background seat and kind of feel slow... There are some scenes of action, good ones (no doubt about that), but there's also so much talk about the world of hunters and their fight against witches that there's not much room left for the actual fight...:)

But that one weakness shouldn't be used as an excuse for you not to give the book a chance. It's a really solid introduction to the series, and it definitely makes you want to read or listen on to find out what happens to Hunter and Sophie and other characters we met...:) Overall, I'd say it's a 3.5 star book - definitely more than 'pretty good' but a bit less than 'great':)

As for the narration, it's very good. I like Mr Ip's interpretation of the male characters, I also like the fact that he doesn't try to sound too feminine when reading females' parts. He adds quite a bit of emotions to the dialogues and makes the whole experience very relaxing.

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Witches versus Hunters

I really enjoyed this take on the theme of witches versus hunters and the concept of a super (or Shadow) witch. The audiobook has its share of action, violence, twists and turns, and betrayals on all sides. The human witch hunters seem outgunned and outmanned. You wonder if they even stand a chance despite Hunter's skill, leadership, and bravado. Then...BOOM! I have to admit I didn't have any inkling of either of the big surprises that came near the end. I was completely captivated, and I am eager for more of the story. Oddly enough, James was my favorite character. Sophie was too cold and stand-offish, and Hunter was too arrogant. James was loyal, steadfast, bold, and a little snarky. I think his line could produce some quality hunters in the future if he survives, and he's just a good friend.

The narration is excellent. Mr. Ip really captured the mannerisms of the characters from Hunter's arrogant aloofness to James' concern and charm. Even the secondary characters like the General and the nervous Sargeant are clearly depicted.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good just hard to get into at first

This series I found to be good. I just had a bit of trouble getting into it . but once I did I was all in. I really can't wait to continue the series.

Punished for being born

According to the witch hunters all witches are born evil and it's just a matter of time until they commit terrible crimes. Therefore even before they commit a crime they can be captured and have their magic taken. I really didn't like this concept, to me the witch hunters are a type of racist and that's never OK. Since this is a fundamental part of the story it kind of spoiled the whole thing for me.

However, it is well written, the characters are well developed and if you're willing to accept the above then they story is well developed with some great twists.

The narration is very good, with clear character voices and a well paced delivery.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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Thrilling From Start To Finish

The Shadow Rises is thrilling and suspenseful from start to finish. You think you know what is going on but you really don't. The characters and world building are in depth and descriptive. As much as you want to dislike Hunter and his brash egotistical behavior you can't help loving him and feeling for him and his loses. The narrator does an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to seeing where the story goes in book 2.