Blog tour: Jacob Gowans A Tale of Light and Shadow Secrets of Neverak

TOUR DATES:  August 24^th—September 4^th

TITLE:  A Tale of Light and Shadow: Secrets of Neverak

AUTHOR: Jacob Gowans

PAGE COUNT:  512

FORMAT: Hardcover

 

SYNOPSIS

Henry Vestin always believed that, despite being a carpenter with no training in swordplay or survival, he could lead Isabelle and his friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would help them survive.

He was wrong.

The second volume in the Tale of Light and Shadow series follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await the band of travelers in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. New allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and relying on only herself to survive. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer's dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.

Return to the world of Atolas, where swords and daggers extend life or end it, where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships, and where magic is feared by all but a few.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacob Gowans is a resident of Arizona, working as a dentist for the Indian Health Services. He is husband and father to four children. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading YA novels or the works of Stephen King, running, and chasing his kids around the house. He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, lived for two years in Baltimore, and graduated from dental school at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.

My review: A Tale of Light and Shadow  Secrets of Neverak 

4 STARS

I want more!  I love the characters. How they all interact with each other, how they have trials, have faults and good points.  That they have hidden connections between who we think of as bad guys and good guys.

There is so much drama, questions, caring about each other, helping each other and themselves.  It is a clean read.  There is a magic that is hinted at more, sword fights and romance.

Henry and friends are traveling in the Iron Pass to go rescue Isabelle from the Emperor's palace. The Iron Pass no one comes out of it.  Henry is left with a crippled arm. He feels he cannot lead his friends anymore. Henry is a carpenter.

Isabelle has been taken to Neverak to be concubine for the Emperor.  She loves Henry. She is from a poor but noble family.

James is Isabelle's older brother.  He has been train in the guard.

Maggie is Henry's sister. She has some talents

Ruther is a storyteller.  He was taken in by Henry's family.  He has some bad habits. Henry is Ruther's best friend.

The 5 were schooled together.  Henry & Maggie's mother was there teacher.

The Emperor has some plans to start a war and gather more land.  He cares about himself and his wants.
I like that Isabelle believes Henry will try and rescue her but she is also trying to rescue herself.  

I like this story. It is a aimed at 12 & up. I want to keep reading and see what happens next.  

I was given Secret of Neverak to read by Shadow Mountain.  In return I was asked to give a honest review and be part of Secrets of Neverak book tour.