Play of Shadows

By: Sebastien de Castell

Narrated by: Joe Jameson

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first volume in the new swashbuckling fantasy series set in the universe of THE GREATCOATS.

Damelas Chademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides a temporary respite from his troubles - until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out a dreadful truth: the city's most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actors who'd just as soon see him dead, this failed grandson of two Greatcoats must somehow find within himself the courage to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids come for his head.

Oh, and there's still that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him . . .©2021 Sebastien de Castell (P)2021 Quercus Editions Limited

Outstanding!

I was reteantst when told, I should indulge in, "The Great Coats". As this author was an unknown to me. However it has been my utter delight to live in this amazing and fantastic world! crafted by someone whom I didn't know, deserved a place amongst the greats. Sebastian DeCastell, is amongst my three favorite authors to date. Thank you sir, for binging tears of sorrow along with peels of laughter in the same paragraph.

The Stage is Set

At first I wasn’t drawn in, but now after finishing I’m excited for this new arc of greatcoats stories!

I’ll say this is definitely a heavier title of De Castell’s due to the setting in a society full of vice, corruption, and death. The MC, who’s a bit weak willed then irritatingly bold at the worst moments, didn’t have enough humor to offset the gloom fully, but the level of honor and camaraderie among the characters does cast back the gloom.

One thing this story has plenty of is intrigue, making it into something of a grimdark fantasy. While you will find some use of magic it isn’t that overt until the end, and only with a price.

If you find the start tedious, stick with it as the story gets very good!

Joe Jameson is excellent as usual - my complaint being that some of the voices are hard to distinguish from each other.

All in all a solid read, but if this is your first greatcoats story then go start with the first series rather than here, as there are references you won’t be able to pick up otherwise!

Ditto-Love It!

This story is a little bit Locke Lamora, a little bit The Name of the Wind, with a dash of Anchor Man. It manages to be deep and intricate as Game of Thrones but lacks the pretentious fantasy fame factor. It’s easy to listen to with such an excellent and engaging narrator and I really look forward to hearing the full trilogy. Do yourself a huge favor and get this book.

Delighted to have a NEW GC Adventure!

Love this author's style. I was hooked from the first book, Traitor's Blade, and sad when that series ended. I thought maybe this book would pale by comparison but happily he brought it! All of it; intrigue, wit, rags, riches, sardonic charm, and of course swashbuckling etcetera. I recommended to several peeps before finishing the book, mark of a good read ;)

Better than the Great Cloaks

The characters are endearing, the story is fast paced. I loved the setting of the story as much of it took place on stage, quite original. Phenomenal book.

Wonderfully Immersive

I am a huge fan of Sebastian de Castell and hope he continues writing more Greatcoats and Spellslinger novels, having already read everything available on Audible. I love the action and adventure, intrigues of both mysterious and obvious enemies, imaginative worlds and diverse characters, but what I love most is how powerfully de Castell's writing pulls you in emotionally. It's all there : friendship and betrayal, bravery and fear, revenge and grace, interspersed a many endearing and hilarious moments.

Don't mess with actors!

Great to be back in Tristia! Sorcerer of words -- Sebastien de Castell -- weaves a clever tale that's both fresh and familiar. And Joe Jameson clearly had a blast bringing the cast of troublemakers and reluctant heroes to life. So much fun.

Loved it!

Fans of the Greatcoats will really enjoy going back to Tristia. Falcio’s story and his battles are over, but Tristia is not a peaceful nation and there are new battles to fight, new schemes to uncover, and new heroes stepping into the dualing circle to fight for honor, for justice, for glory, and for love.

In other words, there’s a new cast and new plot, but same great writing and same screwed up world.

For the love of Saint Zaghev-who-sings-for-tears, give this book a try!

storyline

another great entry into the world of the great coats and a great first book for a new saga

Not what I expected.

Play of Shadows from Sebastien de Castell, author of the Greatcoats series, is billed as a return to the world of that series with a new generation of Greatcoats. This book does indeed return to the world of Tristia where the first series was set, but there is something missing here. Actual Greatcoats. This story revolves around a troupe of actors, one of which happens to be the grandson of a Greatcoat. There are only two actual Greatcoats in this story, one being the aforementioned grandfather who is now in his 70s and retired. The other, Brasti, one of the heroes of the first series who only makes a brief appearance in the final chapter.

Despite the lack of Greatcoats, and a little disappointment in their absence, Play of Shadows is a typical fun adventure you expect from de Castell. The actors troupe stumbles upon a long forgotten conspiracy and draws the attention of not only the Duke, but also a long hidden secret society who seeks to gain control of the country.

Overall, this is an enjoyable story, but wasn't quite the Greatcoats story I was expecting. There are some tie-ins, mostly towards the end, and it's possible this series will become more of a Greatcoats story as it progresses. I have been a fan of de Castell, and Joe Jameson who does another great job here, so I expect to continue on with this series and trust it will be a fun and entertaining listen.