Title: The Secrets of Shadowcrest
Author: Lance McColgan
Publisher: Cabalian Games
ISBN: 979-8989631506
Pages: 364
Genre: Christian Fantasy / Action & Adventure
Reviewer: Jack Chambers
Pacific Book Review
One of the hardest truths a warrior or soldier must contend with is how to balance their duty to their leaders and nation as a whole, and the love they have in their own personal life. Whether you look at history and the actions and behaviors of knights and legendary heroes from various cultures, or you look closer to home at the psychological and mental impact war has on modern-day soldiers, there is usually a far greater war being waged from within as they seek to find love while also honoring the nation they swore to defend.
That balance is at the heart of protagonist Lord William Steele and his journey in author Lance McColgan’s, The Secrets of Shadowcrest. The story blends Medieval history with the rich tapestry of a high fantasy novel. The reader is introduced to a faithful knight from England, who is instructed by his king to travel to the island of Cabalia, where he must execute a secret mission which could turn the tide in the growing conflicts back in England as it hangs on the precipice of civil war. Yet when things go sideways, Steele must battle iconic monsters, corrupt kings and cutthroat mercenaries in order to survive the island and live long enough to tell his tale.
The author did a fantastic job of crafting a world which spoke both of history and magic. The world-building was the backbone of this novel, as the reader was treated to powerful and dangerous new land which sat on the edges of known kingdoms at that time. The balance between the action and bloody battles with the heartfelt character development was thrilling to see come to life on the pages. The setting became almost its own character in a way, as the scenes in Europe felt like stepping back in time. While the core of this story set in Cabalia allowed the reader to feel as if they were transported into this world of magic, shadows and conspiracy ran rampant throughout the major houses of this island.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy Medieval historical fiction, especially those who enjoy the fusion of this genre with high fantasy, sword & sorcery, and epic world-building. The theme of exploring the hero’s journey, as well as the impact that faith, love, and political tension can have on those who become the driving force for the leaders they serve make the story come alive, and the shocking twists and emotional turns the protagonist must struggle with as those he becomes engaged with take to new paths will keep readers heavily invested long after the story ends.
