Shadow Blizzard by Alexey Pehov

Shadow Prowler was the first book in the Chronicles of Siala.  Shadow Chaser was the second.   Pehov may be well known in his native Russia but I had never heard of him until I read these books.   I think the quality of that book will insure that Pehov will be known far and wide as well as in Russia.   Shadow Harold, a master thief, finds himself enmeshed with the establishment to save the world as they know it.   This book finishes the story and gets the band of misfit compatriots further along in their journey. 

The imagination of Pehov has to be read to be believed.   The gamut of scenery and beings and animals is beyond broad.  Saying the descriptions are colorful is doing them severe injustice.   The imagery is practically poetic.   Then there is Harold.  I can safely say I have no recollection of a protagonist named Harold.   Harold visualizes himself as the ulltimate pragmatist but has a very broad streak of conscience much to his verbal dismay. 

Shadow Harold, an enjoyable rogue continues as the main protagonist.  However other characters such as Kli-Kli, the jester, become more important as the story progresses, this final book reveals a surprising fact about Kli-Kli.   Harold, a master thief of exceptional skill and a healthy interest in avoiding heroics, finds himself changing and to his horror perhaps even becoming heroic.  

The philosophic under pinning’s are more fully explored in this third volume.  The term Shadow Dancer is clearly explained as well as leaving doors open for future works.

I can only hope the person who translated one of my books for me does as masterful job as Pehov's translator. This trilogy should end up regarded as one of the classics.

I highly recommend the book and the series.

Web site:   http://www.alexeypehov.com/

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations

Shadow Chaser by Alexey Pehov

Shadow Prowler was the first book in the Chronicles of Siala.  Pehov may be well known in his native Russia but I had never heard of him until I read that book.   I think the quality of that book will insure that Pehov will be known far and wide as well as in Russia.   Shadow Harold, a master thief, finds himself enmeshed with the establishment to save the world as they know it.   This book carries on the story and gets the band of misfit compatriots further along in their journey. 

Shadow Harold, an enjoyable rogue continues as the main protagonist.  However other characters such as Kli-Kli, the jester, become more important as the story progresses. Harold, a master thief of exceptional skill and a healthy interest in avoiding heroics, finds himself changing and to his horror perhaps even becoming heroic.  

Pehov provides suitable mystery and excellent action.  

I highly recommend the book and am looking forward to the sequel.    

Web site:   http://www.alexeypehov.com/

  

This book may have been received free of charge from a publisher or a publicist. That will NEVER have a bearing on my recommendations.

Ashes of a Black Frost by Chris Evans

One of the things I like about Chris Evans is his wonderful titles.  This title is evocative of many things and ties so tightly to the story line that it is astoundingly descriptive.  This is the culmination of a terrific trilogy. (I just love alliteration.)   I highly recommend that you read both The Light of Burning Shadows and Darkness Formed in Fire before reading this final running battle.    The Iron Elves are resurrected in several ways in the ultimate confrontation with the Shadow Monarch. 

There is more to these books than just entertainment.  The evolution of personality and the maturation of goals are just a few of the delightful nuggets of philosophy strewn through out the book and the series.  

As I said in one of my previous reviews, the Iron Elves are once more the sharp point of the human empires bayonet.  I don’t think there is a single character that isn’t transformed in some way by the intricate plot of this book.   There are surprises a’plenty awaiting you!   Evans does magical and marvelous characterizations though out the book.  Ymit, Major Swift Dragon, Jir and Visyna  are just a few of the extraordinary colorful and passionate players in this behemoth battle of wills and nature.  In some ways it is just a very exciting rendition of the often confusing and confounding identification of the difference of good, evil and the vast gray area in between. 

I enjoyed the book, loved the trilogy and highly recommend all three of the books!

Body of work of Chris Evans</a>

Web site: http://chrisevansauthor.com/