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Tour & Giveaway: 121. The Light of Burning Shadows by Chris Evans...

July 28, 2009
light of burning shadowsToday's tour is for Chris Evan's second book of the Iron Elves series, The Light of Burning Shadows. Read on!

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:

Beth (BBRB) said...

Eh, I'm pretty laid back about my fantasy. Orcs + cannons can still be a good story. :)

BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

Beth (BBRB) said...

I'm a follower.

BethsBookReviewBlog AT gmail DOT com

Karen H said...

Just getting into this genre. Would love to win a copy of this book!

kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net

Karen H said...

+2 I follow your blog

kkhaas AT bellsouth DOT net

Sweet Vernal Zephyr said...

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

Libby's Library said...

Straight up please.
Thanks

libneas[at]aol[dot]com

Marjorie/cenya2 said...

An interesting review, count me in for this giveaway, I am a follower.

Cryssloves said...

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

Cryssloves said...

I follow!

crystalmarieporter at gmail dot com

Shawna L. said...

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 L. said...

Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com

I am following you blog

wheels209 said...

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

throuthehaze said...

I mostly prefer it straight up but Im open to reading a mixed fantasy

throuthehaze at gmail dot com

afineday said...

I like my fantasy either way, straight up or mixed. Thank you for the giveaway!

brc668 (At) gmail (dot) com

afineday said...

I'm an email subscriber :)

brc668 (At) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

fantasy is good either way,,thx for the contest..
thehighflyer3@hotmail.com

Lee P said...

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

Lee P said...

I follow your blog

chinook92(at)gmail(dot)com

Ally said...

I'm open to Lord of Ring and Twilight sort of things but I dont seek them out.

Thanks!
allygotts567@hotmail.com

Ally said...

I follow

allygotts567@hotmail.com

Mozi Esme said...

Straight up, please!

janemaritz at yahoo dot com

renee said...

i am easy going when it comes to fantasy, since that is what it is.
please enter me
reneetaylor at sympatico dot ca

Anonymous said...

i don't mind my fantasy being mixed up

thanks

flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

Aimee said...

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!

Bridget said...

Drey, your are keeping me busy this afternoon, girl! Just posted this one on Win A Book.

Sue said...

I'd like to read this! Thanks for the giveaway.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

Marie said...

I like my fantasy pretty much anyway I can get it :-)

marielay@gmail.com

Marie said...

Forget to say, I am also a follower.

marielay@gmail.com

mrsshukra said...

Straight up or mixed are both fine with me!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

mrsshukra said...

Follower!

delilah0180(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

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

Unknown said...

I've also blogged about this giveaway here.

Thanks,
jake.lsewhere[at]gmail.com

Debs Desk said...

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

Debs Desk said...

I am a follower.
Thanks
Debbie
debdesk9(at)Verizon.net

Belinda M said...

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

Belinda M said...

I follow your blog


Canadian Contests, Freebies, Coupons, Deals, Games and Chat - join us at CoolCanucks.ca


bluebelle0367(at)hotmail(dot)com

Belinda M said...

+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

ColleenFL said...

I like fantasy with and without technology. Variety is good.

+1 for following.

Rebecca N. said...

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!

Rebecca N. said...

I tweeted! http://twitter.com/Sparkleglow/status/3147547921

carol said...

I would like to have a fantasy. It would make things interesting.

budletsmom said...

I love fantasy - mixed up a bit is fine with me.

budletsmom at yahoo dot com

budletsmom said...

I follow.

budletsmom at yahoo dot com

rubynreba said...

I love fantasy as long as the story line is good too.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

CherylS22 said...

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

CherylS22 said...

I follow ~ megalon22{at}yahoo{dot}com

kalynnick said...

I like fantasy.

Shawna L. said...

Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com

I posted this on my twitter
http://twitter.com/theblindcupid/status/3209649543

Shawna L. said...

Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com

You know I really like to mix it up when it comes to fantasy anything goes!!!

Shawna L. said...

Shawna Lewis
weloveourdogs@juno.com


I am already a full-time follower of your blog ;o)

Misusedinnocence said...

I don't care what route fantasy authors take to get there, just so long as it's good. :)

misusedinnocence@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Mary D
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

AS long as it's well written, I can enjoy Fantasy either way! :)

Jeanette J said...

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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