About the book:
"They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion."
Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this second epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves' perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency.
The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch, and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army's elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.
Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jor -- ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands. Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways. And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperate soldiers, whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally -- and fearsome enemy -- in a growing conflict that threatens all?
About the author:
Chris Evans was born in Canada and now lives in New York City. As a military historian he has conducted battlefield tours of Europe, and was the historical consultant on a television documentary on the First World War. He's earned degrees in English, Political Science, and a Masters in History. This is his second novel. Chris can be found online at his blog, Deep is just shallow on end, and the official Iron Elves website.
drey's thoughts:
The Light of Burning Shadows continues the Iron Elves series where A Darkness Forged in Fire left off... Konowa and his regiment have routed the Shadow Monarch in one battlefield, but her influence still spreads. So they plot a course to where the next Star is due, wiping out whatever they can of her minions. Unfortunately for Konowa, this opening scene involves water, and boats. Neither of which he can tolerate, but unfortunately required for travel to the Hasshugeb Expanse. Where, rumor has it, the remnants of the original Iron Elves regiment can be found. And by golly, Konowa's going to find 'em and restore their honor if it kills him.
The Light of Burning Shadows doesn't answer the questions that A Darkness Forged in Fire brought up, and introduces even more. Character build-up shares the spotlight with military strategy here, which provides for good reading. I did feel that some parts were a little rushed towards their conclusion, but liked the arc that Private Renwar's story heads into. The dwarf continues to provide comic relief, the Crown Prince is still a dunderhead, albeit he's acquired a sense of humor (for a bit, anyway). I'm not sure if this is a trilogy, or if it'll be longer, but we will need more than one more book to turn Tykkin in a ruler these men would want to fight for.
Giveaway!
Thanks to Pocket Books, I have two copies of The Light of Burning Shadows for you...
Rules:
-- Contest is open to US and Canada residents, no PO Boxes please!
-- To enter, comment and share: Do you like your fantasy straight up, or do you not care that elves, orcs, dwarfs, etc. are mixing with muskets and cannons?
-- Follow for 1 extra entry.
-- Share for 2 extra entries (let me know what & where, please).
-- Do it all before 6:00 pm CST August 10th. Good luck!
Tour stops:
The Epic Rat
drey’s library
Must Read Faster
Carol’s Notebook
The Crotchety Old Fan
A Journey of Books
Book Soulmates
A Book Bloggers Diary
Horror and Fantasy Book Review
Booksie’s Blog
Temple Library Reviews
Reclusive Indigent
Starting Fresh
The Mad Hatter’s Bookshelf & Review
Pick of the Literate
Books Joseph Reads
Morbid Romantic
Poisoned Rationality
And, don't forget to check out West of Mars--Win a Book! for more giveaways!
53 comments:
Eh, I'm pretty laid back about my fantasy. Orcs + cannons can still be a good story. :)
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
I'm a follower.
BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com
Just getting into this genre. Would love to win a copy of this book!
kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net
+2 I follow your blog
kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net
I don't mind if my fantasy mixes it up as long as it is backed up by pseudo-science! Gotta be believable, to a degree.
Thanks for the giveaway and good luck with your tour!
mdwartistry at yahoo dot com
Straight up please.
Thanks
libneas[at]aol[dot]com
An interesting review, count me in for this giveaway, I am a follower.
I'm pretty open when it comes to fantasy... as long as it stimulates my imagination in some way I am very satisfied!
crystalmarieporter at gmail dot com
I follow!
crystalmarieporter at gmail dot com
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
Mix'in it up is what Fantasy is all about for me I consider it an anything goes topic the more the better in my book!!!
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
I am following you blog
Hi Drey,
I like the diverse elements of character and land in fantasy. I like strong characters and a good story to propel me away from everyday life. The next thing I need for the book to do is give me is a plot twist.
If I read your review correctly the books sound a little incomplete but there is enough there to sign up for the giveaway. However, I don’t know if I would purchase this book on my own. I am a follower.
Take care. All the best,
Wheels209
I mostly prefer it straight up but Im open to reading a mixed fantasy
throuthehaze at gmail dot com
I like my fantasy either way, straight up or mixed. Thank you for the giveaway!
brc668 (At) gmail (dot) com
I'm an email subscriber :)
brc668 (At) gmail (dot) com
fantasy is good either way,,thx for the contest..
thehighflyer3@hotmail.com
I love reading fantasy. It doesn't matter to me if it's straight up or mixed up. Thanks for this giveaway and please count me in
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog
chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com
I'm open to Lord of Ring and Twilight sort of things but I dont seek them out.
Thanks!
allygotts567@hotmail.com
I follow
allygotts567@hotmail.com
Straight up, please!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
i am easy going when it comes to fantasy, since that is what it is.
please enter me
reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca
i don't mind my fantasy being mixed up
thanks
flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
Throw it all in there! As long as the writing is good, have as many orcs, fairies, and dwarfs as will fit. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Drey, your are keeping me busy this afternoon, girl! Just posted this one on Win A Book.
I'd like to read this! Thanks for the giveaway.
s.mickelson at gmail dot com
I like my fantasy pretty much anyway I can get it :-)
marielay@gmail.com
Forget to say, I am also a follower.
marielay@gmail.com
Straight up or mixed are both fine with me!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
Follower!
delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don't care if my fantasy get mixed up, done right it can be even better.
Looks like a good book, please enter me into this drawing.
I'm also a Google follower.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
I've also blogged about this giveaway here.
Thanks,
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com
I just love a great book so it does not matter who or what just as long as it is good. I would love to be included in your giveaway.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)Verizon.net
I am a follower.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)Verizon.net
when it comes to fantasy I am pretty wide open. As long as you can get into the characters in the book and the story itself it is all good
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I follow your blog
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
+2 I have shared your giveaway here
http://coolcanucks.ca/17969-dreys-library-light-burning-shadows-chris-evans-book-giveaway-aug5-canada
Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca
bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like fantasy with and without technology. Variety is good.
+1 for following.
I like my fantasy books either way so long as it's written well. I like reading about dragons, elves and goblins and magic users and thieves. This books sounds really good and I would love to own a copy. Thanks for the giveaway!
I tweeted! http://twitter.com/Sparkleglow/status/3147547921
I would like to have a fantasy. It would make things interesting.
I love fantasy - mixed up a bit is fine with me.
budletsmom at yahoo dot com
I follow.
budletsmom at yahoo dot com
I love fantasy as long as the story line is good too.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I like fantasy any way as long as I'm pulled into the story & can escape for a while.
Thanks ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com
I follow ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com
I like fantasy.
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
I posted this on my twitter
http://twitter.com/theblindcupid/status/3209649543
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
You know I really like to mix it up when it comes to fantasy anything goes!!!
Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com
I am already a full-time follower of your blog ;o)
I don't care what route fantasy authors take to get there, just so long as it's good. :)
misusedinnocence@aol.com
Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com
AS long as it's well written, I can enjoy Fantasy either way! :)
I see nothing wrong with cannons and orcs etc in the same story as long as the story interests me I will read it
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