I am going to begin this book review with an admission. I am not well-versed in the genre of fantasy/adventure. I do, however, have a great appreciation for strong characters and compelling storylines, and can get wrapped up in a novel regarding of its literary category if I enjoy the writing. I share all of this because I hope it makes my thoughts on Shadows over Sheradan, the new release by Scott Barker, more meaningful to other readers who, like me, do not bring an extensive home library of fantasy books into consideration when determining their next book selection. Barker has crafted an epic, three-part novel that led me to develop emotional investment in the outcome and have one of those experiences in which you tell yourself just one more chapter before finally compelling yourself to bed.



Shadows over Sheradan tells the story of Prince Trigarius pursuit of the dark Izzasha the Betrayer through the moons and rings surrounding the planet Zalaghorn, physical landscapes that all are described with rich effect by Barker. Trigarius is joined on his journey by a crew of loyal and talented individuals who hold their leader in the highest regard, along with one reluctant passenger whose mysterious presence and powers lend some great layers to the plot. As Prince Trigarius charge is revealed in more detail and readers follow him on his quest, the pages bring forth the joining of forces with another crew through tragic circumstance, battle scenes that will make your heart race, moments of romance both new and rekindled, and, undergirding it all, a testament to the importance and power of true friendship.



Being a three-part novel of around 500 pages and already admitting to my own lack of fantasy reading experience, I readily share that Barker does his own masterful job of revealing the story and readers will be doing themselves a greater service by allowing the author to draw them in with his talent rather than settling for my synopsis of a complex story to which I cannot do justice in limited type. Instead, I will share, as the purpose of encouraging your contact with this book, that Barker has developed characters that are relatable, sympathetic, and engaging. He has taken the emotions found in a friendship or that a humble servant feels for his leader, feelings to which most of us can relate in our everyday, normal lives, and placed them seamlessly into a fantasy environment found in dreams. He has crafted good guys and bad guys, but done so in ways that capture the flaws and humanity on both sides.



Perhaps most importantly, it is apparent on every page that Shadows over Sheradan is a work of passion for Barker. Each detail is carefully constructed so that readers will get a true sense of the oppressive weight of dread as the shadow creatures are unleashed to engage in their final battle or close their eyes and visualize Prince Trigarius standing at the helm of his ship or shiver as the brave crew members set out on a frozen land in search for their lost comrades. Barker includes maps and illustrations that instead of removing the need for ones own imagination, stoke it. And, as Barker is asking you to step into a new world with his writing, a glossary of terms is provided as well.



If you like to read novels that are smart, detailed, and engage your senses, then consider adding Shadows over Sheradan to your collection. Whether you never have read an adventure novel of this type before or, like several of my friends who consider themselves devoted fans of the genre with whom I shared the manuscript to rave reviews, you already claim dozens of such fantasy novels on your list of favourites, I have confidence that you will enjoy this new work by Scott Barker and reach the back cover eager to read more.