The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W. Carr

The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W. Carr is the third installment in the Darkwater Saga. It was a little slow going at first; but once I got into the story, I could not read fast enough. I predict this will be one of my favorites for the year.

There are so many things to say about this book I am not sure where to start. So, I am going to just jump right in with the world building, which has to be the most elaborate I think I have had the pleasure to read in a long time. In this way, it was reminiscent of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The imagination, time and effort it took to construct this world is just mind boggling. The thought of how to keep it all straight while you are developing the plot is enough to give me a head ache.

Because the story is told from three POVs, there are three main characters which, by the way, worked nicely for the plot. The character of Willet was my favorite. Yet, regardless of which character you like the best, I found that it was easy to connect with all of them. The author was very conscientious of the reader when developing the characters and that is one of the things that sets this book, and the series, apart from others I have read in this genre.

The last thing I want to share is about the plot. It is complex and with the POV changing among the lead characters it can get confusing so you must stay on your toes. Yet, I never felt it was over worked or forced in anyway. Everything fit together nicely, and it made for a great read.

I love it when a book just blows me away. I know I am gushing here, but this book is worthy of it. Now I want to go back and read each book again and I am sure I will in the future. In addition, the author has left openings (in the form of loose ends) for more stories to come out of this world. I can only hope and sit on the edge of my seating waiting for the next one.

Normally I write a short synapsis, this time, however, I am going to forgo.  The plot is too complex for me to do it justice in a few short paragraphs. So here is the blurb provided:

“The kings and queens of the northern continent lay siege to the Darkwater Forest, desperate to contain its evil. But rumors of gold and aurium have lured deserters and the desperate into its shadow, creating a growing army held in its sway. Desperate after the death and dissolution of their greatest ally, Willet and the Vigil seek the truth of what lies at the heart of the evil they face. They delve the mind of an old enemy and find an answer far worse than they could have imagined.

Danger stalks the cities of the north, striking at the rulers of the kingdoms. As Willet and the rest of the Vigil seek to find answers, the group is scattered with an ever-growing darkness around them. Will they discover a path to keep their land safe, or will an ancient evil reclaim the world it once called its own?”

I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.