Shadowblack

By: Sebastien de Castell

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

A failed mage turned outlaw must use guile and a handful of spells to challenge a dangerous rival in the second book of an exciting adventure fantasy series from Sebastien de Castell.

Forced to live as an outlaw, Kellen relies on his wits and his allies to survive the unforgiving borderlands.
When he meets a young woman cursed with a deadly plague, he feels compelled to help. But her secrets draw powerful enemies and it's not long before Kellen is entangled in a conspiracy of blackmail, magic, and murder. As the bodies begin to pile up, Kellen fears he's next.

The second novel in a compelling six-book series, bursting with tricks, humor, and a whole new way to look at magic.

Spellslinger SeriesSpellslingerShadowblackCharmcaster
For more from Sebastien de Castell, check out:
The Greatcoats QuartetTraitor's BladeSaint's BloodKnight's ShadowTyrant's Throne

Critic reviews

"Told with the conviction of Ursula Le Guin and the dash of Alexandre Dumas"—New Statesman (UK) on Spellslinger

"Spellslinger is the start of something truly special. Sebastien de Castell is a master of breakneck pacing, dagger-sharp dialogue, and twists you didn't see coming--and this series has it all."—Nicholas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld on Spellslinger

"A tremendously fun read full of wit and action."—James Islington, author of The Shadow of What Was Lost on Spellslinger

"This book is dangerously addictive. It has it all: compelling world-building, breathtaking plot-twists, a page-turning pace, and characters who soon feel like old friends. I can't wait for the next one!"—Melissa Caruso, author of The Tethered Mage

"A fast, fun, often funny fantasy series"—B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog

"An intriguing system of magic, wry humor, and a twisting plot make for an entertaining series debut."—Kirkus on Spellslinger

"A fun, fast-moving adventure, with surprising depth and insight."—Hugo Award winning author Jim C. Hines on Spellslinger

"Exotic, original and gripping from the get-go, Spellslinger is a must-read"—Jonathan Stroud, author of the Lockwood and Co series on Spellslinger

"Hugely enjoyable - fast-paced, compassionate, wise and with terrific characters."—Amanda Craig, author of Hearts and Minds on Spellslinger

"Written with such obvious joy and brio that it demands to be read."—RJ Barker, author of Age of Assassins on Spellslinger

"A bucket-load of tension is offset with humour, power struggles, lots of magic and some great characters. Fantasy junkies will devour with relish."—Guardian (UK) on Spellslinger

"There's room for wit and playfulness amid the high-stakes duels and death matches, and Kellen's career is likely to run and run."—The Observer (UK) on Spellslinger

"We can confidently say that de Castell's new series has hit the ground running."—Starburst on Spellslinger

Pretty good series

This is turning out to be a pretty good high fantasy western. Amazing voice work and fairly compelling characters. Seeing that future books keep getting longer and longer is not encouraging. I've seen this in countless other series and longer books usually means more self-indulgent filler, not more quality. Still, so far so good. If I can get book 3 in a sale, I intend to do so.

Great sequel

Kellen’s life after the first book didn't get better, it got harder, and eventually he learned. And flexing that brain is definitely his asset for sure. Performed amazingly by Joe Jameson, and even still, amazing prose and written characters and development! can't wait for the next!

the beginning as a little slow. however ..

then the fight took off on a new adventure.. join Us for another adventure in the Magic of Sebastien's Mind.. I had a hard time stopping this book.. it was totally worth it.. on to the next..
💙✌🏾

Great sequel- Keeps the pace from the last book

When it comes to sequels there is always a tipping point after the first book. Many simply fall flat, and can never match what made the first book good. That's not the case with Shadowblack. This book takes the riding off into the sunset finish of the last book and crashes it back down into reality.

I'd say the only draw back is the first 15- 20 minutes where the author is trying to acclimate the reader to the characters.

As for the narrator, the guy was just as good as last time.

Good Sequel!.

Such a good sequel to an amazing story! can't wait for book three. let's go!.