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A review by kellybarth
When Shadows Grow Tall by Maressa Voss
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
"When Shadows Grow Tall" is a Fantasy novel, set in a fictional realm called The Grasp. This is the first book of the The Cycles of Night series.
This novel follows Lovelace and Gunnar, members of a mysterious brotherhood of "dactyli." They find themselves in a realm on the edge of enlightenment, gathering the "truest truth". When the order faces a fatal threat from a rogue member, Lovelace and Gunnar embark on a dangerous journey where they discover more than the welfare of the order is at stake. Their former compatriot, Alev, amasses an army of those he calls the Burned Ones, who possess the ability to wield impossible magic.
Meanwhile, A young woman named Kylene undertakes a journey of her own to find her missing father, a prominent printer wanted for sedition against the overbearing ruler, Osbert.
This book is for you if you enjoy:
Elemental Magic
Mysterious Societies
Epic Quests
Unlikely Heroes
Strong Female Characters
Gaelic Influences
Battles of Good vs. Evil
Vibe Check
When Shadows Grow Tall gave me Robin Hood vibes in the best way. You can't help but root for the cast of loveable underdogs as they journey through nature to restore order to The Grasp at the hands of the oppressive rule of the mysterious Osbert.
Minor Content Warning for the murder of a child. This isn't particularly gory; it is a minor, isolated incident within the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed When Shadows Grow Tall and give it ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
As with any fantasy series, you'll spend the opening chapters meeting the cast of characters and learning the vocabulary of the realm and its particular brand of magic. With the exposition well-established, and the first part of this adventure well underway, I'm excited to see what journeys await in Book 2!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This novel follows Lovelace and Gunnar, members of a mysterious brotherhood of "dactyli." They find themselves in a realm on the edge of enlightenment, gathering the "truest truth". When the order faces a fatal threat from a rogue member, Lovelace and Gunnar embark on a dangerous journey where they discover more than the welfare of the order is at stake. Their former compatriot, Alev, amasses an army of those he calls the Burned Ones, who possess the ability to wield impossible magic.
Meanwhile, A young woman named Kylene undertakes a journey of her own to find her missing father, a prominent printer wanted for sedition against the overbearing ruler, Osbert.
This book is for you if you enjoy:
Elemental Magic
Mysterious Societies
Epic Quests
Unlikely Heroes
Strong Female Characters
Gaelic Influences
Battles of Good vs. Evil
Vibe Check
When Shadows Grow Tall gave me Robin Hood vibes in the best way. You can't help but root for the cast of loveable underdogs as they journey through nature to restore order to The Grasp at the hands of the oppressive rule of the mysterious Osbert.
Minor Content Warning for the murder of a child. This isn't particularly gory; it is a minor, isolated incident within the novel.
Overall, I enjoyed When Shadows Grow Tall and give it ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
As with any fantasy series, you'll spend the opening chapters meeting the cast of characters and learning the vocabulary of the realm and its particular brand of magic. With the exposition well-established, and the first part of this adventure well underway, I'm excited to see what journeys await in Book 2!
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder