Play of Shadows

Court of Shadows, Book 1

By: Sebastien de Castell

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

Welcome to the Ooperato Belleza . . . it might save his life, or it just might be the end of him!

Damelas Chademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides a temporary respite from his troubles - until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out a dreadful truth: the city's most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actors who'd just as soon see him dead, this failed grandson of two Greatcoats must somehow find within himself the courage to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids come for his head.

Oh, and there's still that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him . . .

©2021 Sebastien de Castell (P)2021 Quercus Editions Limited

storytelling and Voice actor

to me another great book by Sebastian and I loved the story within the world he has created

The Stage is Set

At first I wasn’t drawn in, but now after finishing I’m excited for this new arc of greatcoats stories!

I’ll say this is definitely a heavier title of De Castell’s due to the setting in a society full of vice, corruption, and death. The MC, who’s a bit weak willed then irritatingly bold at the worst moments, didn’t have enough humor to offset the gloom fully, but the level of honor and camaraderie among the characters does cast back the gloom.

One thing this story has plenty of is intrigue, making it into something of a grimdark fantasy. While you will find some use of magic it isn’t that overt until the end, and only with a price.

If you find the start tedious, stick with it as the story gets very good!

Joe Jameson is excellent as usual - my complaint being that some of the voices are hard to distinguish from each other.

All in all a solid read, but if this is your first greatcoats story then go start with the first series rather than here, as there are references you won’t be able to pick up otherwise!

Outstanding!

I was reteantst when told, I should indulge in, "The Great Coats". As this author was an unknown to me. However it has been my utter delight to live in this amazing and fantastic world! crafted by someone whom I didn't know, deserved a place amongst the greats. Sebastian DeCastell, is amongst my three favorite authors to date. Thank you sir, for binging tears of sorrow along with peels of laughter in the same paragraph.

Don't mess with actors!

Great to be back in Tristia! Sorcerer of words -- Sebastien de Castell -- weaves a clever tale that's both fresh and familiar. And Joe Jameson clearly had a blast bringing the cast of troublemakers and reluctant heroes to life. So much fun.

Loved it!

Fans of the Greatcoats will really enjoy going back to Tristia. Falcio’s story and his battles are over, but Tristia is not a peaceful nation and there are new battles to fight, new schemes to uncover, and new heroes stepping into the dualing circle to fight for honor, for justice, for glory, and for love.

In other words, there’s a new cast and new plot, but same great writing and same screwed up world.

For the love of Saint Zaghev-who-sings-for-tears, give this book a try!