The Shadow's Servant

By: Justin Swapp

Narrated by: Steve Barnes

Length: 12 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's Summary

If knowledge is power, then what's a secret?

A year after thwarting the Kabbahl's attempt to restore shadow magic, the impetuous Marcus Fith, denied the opportunity to help his family search for his sister, decides to take matters into his own hands. When the only meaningful clue his family has seen mysteriously shows up - a letter addressed to him... written in his own blood - Marcus escapes in order to work out the set of expiring instructions that promise to lead him to his sister.

Promises are slippery things, however. 

What follows is an adventurous tale filled with shady characters, betrayal, magical monsters, and an epic battle that is just beginning. 

If only Marcus and Ellie knew what they've started...

©2018 Justin Swapp (P)2018 Justin Swapp

Excellent Second Installment in the Series!

The Shadows Servant: The Shadow Magic Series, Book 2 written by Justin Swapp. The audiobook is narrated by Steve Barnes with a total running time of 12 hours and 2 minutes. During that time the listener is taken on an adventure with Marcus Fifth as he endeavors to save his twin sister Ellie one year after she was taken by the absent Mother Mirella. When Ellie’s guardian Ellamir; a talking cat, arrives and leaves a mysterious blank letter for him to solve to find his sister the story begins to really take shape. Marcus lets his impulsive nature lead him off on the quest to find his sister without telling his Grandparents or Aunt and Uncle.

The story truly holds the listener's attention through the entire audiobook. This was truly a story about Marcus and how who he is and the man he will become if is depending on the path he either chooses for himself or is forced by events caused by his own impulsiveness. This is also hopefully the start of his path on a hero’s journey to save his sister. The cast of new and old character is somewhat larger and their relationships complex. The main character Marcus is driven and overly focuses on his goal of saving Ellie at the expense of his own safety and those around him.

The narration by Steve Barnes was excellent. In this audio performance, he gave voice to a diverse cast of characters. Marcus was the lead, but some of the smaller characters were truly funny and memorable like Erasmus the monkey first mate. That is a character that just stands out even with a small role. Mr. Barnes did an outstanding job performing this audiobook. The production quality of this audiobook is also the highest quality. I heard no problems during the entire performance. There were not any detectable flaws that I was able to hear during the entire performance such as loops, breaks, or buzzing. The production was crisp and clear. Justin Swapp delivered an excellent audiobook production. I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Entertaining sequel

This was a really good story, but for some reason, it did not hold my attention as well as the first book in the series. I think it is a little darker (which isn't a bad thing). The narration of the audiobook is great, and the narrator does so many different voices to give life to the characters. There were a lot of good twists and new information brought to light. I listened to this one with my kids, and it seemed to hold their attention for the most part, though it is quite a long book. Overall, a good book. I would listen to more books in the series as they come out.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

more magic and mayhem

we start from were we left of from the first book Marcus is trying to save his sister Ellie There's plenty of action throughoput the whole book and well worth a read

A good followup to the first

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

The Book

Marcus is trying to save his sister Ellie after the events of book one, the cast of characters is good and I think the story is better than the first book. There's plenty of action and Marcus story is engaging and interesting as we see him develop as he does everything he can to save his sister. There's lots of different settings and the whole family situation develops well too as well as lots more magical things going on.

The Production

The narrator did voices well, his normal voice had an odd slightly nasal tone and occasionally a clipped kind of speech which took a bit of getting used to but once you did was ok.