The Shadow Throne
Book Two of the Shadow Campaigns
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4.5 • 109 Ratings
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
“An immensely entertaining novel” (Tor.com) from the author of The Thousand Names...
The King of the Vordan is on his deathbed. Soon his daughter, Raesinia will be the first Queen Regnant in centuries—and a target for those who seek to control her. The most dangerous is Duke Orlanko, Minister of Information, and master of the secret police. He is the most feared man in the kingdom, and he knows an arcane secret that puts Raesinia completely at his mercy.
But Raesinia has found unlikely allies in the returning war hero Janus bet Vhalnich, and his loyal deputies, Captain Marcus d’Ivoire and Lieutenant Winter Ihernglass. As Marcus and Winter struggle to find their places in the home they never thought they would see again, they help Janus and Raesinia set in motion events that could shatter Orlanko’s powers, but perhaps at the price of throwing the nation into chaos. But with the people suffering under the Duke’s tyranny, they intend to protect the kingdom with every power they can command, earthly or otherwise.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
This audacious and subversive sequel to 2013's The Thousand Names shifts from the previous book's military campaign into a political intrigue that examines issues ranging from gender identity to the development of democracy. Janus bet Vhalnich has returned to Vordan City and been named Minister of Justice by the dying king. He quickly assigns Capt. Marcus d'Ivoire to be his master of arms and sends soldier Winter Ihernglass undercover in a gang of female criminals. As Marcus and Winter learn secrets about their pasts, they're caught up in present-day intrigue, much of it caused by the Princess Raesinia: she's working in disguise to foment revolution against the manipulative Duke Orlanko, who has all but ensured he'll be her regent when the king dies. Wexler throws a lot into the story, but the mash-up of 17th-century technology and demon-summoning assassins comes together nicely. There are a few threads that get wrapped up a little too neatly off-screen, but readers will still be eager to see how the trilogy ends.
Customer Reviews
Engaging
It was hard to put down. No quibbles that aren’t personal preferences.
LITERAL ADDICTION’s Review of The Shadow Throne
Our Review, by LITERAL ADDICTION's Scholastic Siren - Sara (edited by Chelle):
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
This is the second book of Django Wexler's Shadow Campaign series and was a new read for me and LITERAL ADDICTION.
The genre is Flintlock Fantasy, but I would have just called it fantasy. The world building is wonderful! There are four main POV characters, all with intersecting storylines. Wexler plots beautifully, and there is no confusion as to whom is speaking or where you are. The story is full of court intrigue and interpersonal relationships. Big plot lines dealing with the major story arc, and secondary plotlines with characters you really come to care about.
I did not read The Thousand Names, book one in the series, but I did not feel lost, nor did I feel like I was missing anything. The book stands well on its own.
I definitely recommend this book, and am anxious to read more from Mr. Wexler.