 Shortly before I read Healer’s Bane, I also read Hope’s ebook The Stealthmaster’s Shadow, which came out early last year. I decided I would subject you to my review on that one, too. Or you can check it out on Amazon. Or you can ignore me all together.
It’s ten confounded years since the war ended. Verus, a retired soldier, determines to enforce the peace the victory ought to have brought. His wanderings bring him to the city of Nerva, a sprawling riverside chaos no other Stealthmaster will touch. Commandeering the task of a former comrade, Verus presents himself to the governor and promises to search out hidden Subverters. After all, those brave enough to pit themselves against the ruling tyrant will need help. Weapons, perhaps, or information. The wishes of the Subverters themselves are immaterial. They weren’t there during the war. They didn’t see the horrors Tauscher spread. Verus has. So has the new ambassador from Zahavia who strides through the great doors of the feasting hall, bringing Verus face to face with nightmares from his past. As the simple mission dissolves into confusion, Verus struggles to help those he’s plunged into danger—from a trusting serving lad to the infuriating woman he’s taken to calling Princess. Fleeing will only make the enemy stronger. But staying… Staying could doom them all. Perfect for those who love fantasy but don’t have the time to sit down for a full-length novel, the fourth novella in the Legends of Light series presents the story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses in a clean, exciting, and inspiring manner. Full of wit, secrets, danger, and distant threats looming on the horizon, this is more than the mere retelling of a favorite fairy tale. A stand-alone story, The Stealthmaster’s Shadow focuses on the fourth Fruit of the Spirit, long-suffering, while following the results of the war between the Prince and Tauscher. Hope Ann uses chocolate to bribe a wide ring of spies, from the realm leapers of Aslaria to the double agents of Elkbend, for their stories. Based in Indiana, she is the self-published author of the Legends of Light series, personal writing coach, and the Communications Coordinator for Story Embers. You can find out more about her at authorhopeann.com. “Never Regret Acts of Courage” . . . and Never Regret Reading The Stealthmaster’s Shadow! 5 Stars Ten years have passed since the last book in the incredible Legends of Light series, Shadows of the Hersweald. Those who accept the Prince’s pardon are now in danger of being outlawed. The Stealthmaster, Verus, has been sent to hunt them down, but he has a mission of his own. I received The Stealthmaster’s Shadow for my birthday. I made myself promise to read only one chapter a day, because, well, I just don’t have that sort of time to be on my computer. Besides, it made the adventure last longer, right? Yeah. That worked fine until about halfway through. I sat down and read the entire last half of the book in one afternoon. Hope kept me guessing—I was just as confused as Verus there at the beginning. I kept guessing right up until the last pages. The last half of the book was a tearjerker (and I don’t say that about many books). It never gets freaky with violence or graphic descriptions (despite the fact that it’s allegorical to the persecution of Christians). Also, there is no language or inappropriate boy/girl relationships. The ending is gorgeous—I love that she’s not just a “everybody gets rescued and they live happily ever after” kind of author. You never know what might happen! I didn’t have any trouble picking up on the worldbuilding. (And I don’t read a lot of fantasy, so that’s a big deal.) There’s lots to like with her characters: Verus is amazing. Adreana is a strong female character. And little Eolus! He is too sweet. This is a very timely and necessary story. It dives into the murky waters of suffering, persecution, and its purpose—and comes out with its head above water. As with all of Hope’s work, it is evident that she thought through the questions and answer—this isn’t a trite book that slaps a Band-Aid over suffering. So, my advice (if you care for that sort of thing)? “Never regret acts of courage” . . . and never regret reading The Stealthmaster’s Shadow!
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