Shadebound

The Last King, Book 1

By: David Estes, G.D. Penman

Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds

Assassins lurk in every shadow of Covotana Palace. Noble blood is spilled, and the firstborn scion of the usurped king has been summoned to seek justice by the twins who now claim his throne.

Artemio Volpe must contend with more than simple intrigue. The embers of war burn bright beyond the horizon of the northern steppes, his already estranged family has been hounded by the assassinations, and the shades of the dead pervade his body and mind, granting him their power at a terrible price.

Torn between his duty to the kingdom and his studies at the legendary House of Seven Shadows, Artemio finds his loyalties divided and time running out. After all, the fires burning to the north are not mere barbarian's pyres. They're dragon fire...

©2022 David Estes and G.D. Penman (P)2022 Podium Audio

amazing

it's an amazing book and the narrator also is great. I listened to it nonstop David Estes is an amazing author

Frustrating

I dont normally rate books before I've finished them, but it is irritating that the sister is supposed to be so smart but continually acts in moronic ways. I wish she wasn't even part of the story. The mystery alone keeps this at an overall 4. Sometimes, the characters just repeat ideas in their heads. It feels unnecessary.

Good read

This story kept me interested all the way through there weren’t so many characters that you’d confused about who was who and Tim Gerard Reynolds is a great reader

Narrator as usual great

Always enjoy Tim Gerald Reynolds narrating. The story seem to have a lot lacking. I can't put my finger on why I feel that way

Intriguing

I am extremely glad I took chance on this book. Generally, I prefer to wait until there is a least two books, preferably more, when starting a new series. Estes expertly wove an intriguing tale in this blend of murder/mystery and magic. Took me a while to really understand the shade concept. Part of it is how the author blended the revelation of the shades into the story, revealing a bit at a time. By the time I was halfway through the story, I was thoroughly hooked. I am a big fan of TGR and he certainly does not disappoint here. He is magnificent. The characters are complex, all too human, but wonderfully portrayed. Yes, it ends somewhat abruptly but is well set up for the next book, which hopefully will come soon. When the story gears up, it is a full sprint to the end. No language but a fair amount of violence but nothing over the top for this genre. Most highly recommended.