The Light of Burning Shadows

Book Two of the Iron Elves

By: Chris Evans

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion. Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this second epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves' perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency. The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army's elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.

Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jo---ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands. Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways. And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperate soldiers whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally---and who is the fearsome enemy---in a growing conflict that threatens all?

©2009 Chris Evans (P)2009 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A gutsy fantasy set in a world of imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier's plight that would have done Kipling proud." (Karen Traviss, New York Times best-selling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force)

still not detailed enough

the 2nd book is a little better, but still there is no world description. long parts are on ships or in the desert however so this time it's a little easier to imagine where they are.
it is entertaining enough and michael kramer is simply outstanding in his profession.
i still like the story and i am wodering where the plot leads to. for the missing creation of a world however.. only 3 stars.

Great second book

I enjoyed this book, It made a great second part to the story. Can't wait to read the third.

Catch a falling star, while others flock it,

Never being strayed away.

Chris Evans' writing skills are very good but I found myself losing interest the more I listened to book 2 of the series. The MC is an unlikable character due to his short temper and his constantly bemoaning of his predicament. He and his Iron Elves army were singularly focused on ridding themselves of the curse placed on them from the dark queen, engaging several battles on the MC's pursuit of finding his abandoned Iron Elves regiment. Most of their travels were fairly predictable but there were interesting intrigues and twists along the way.

Near the end, there was an surprising twist that ends with the loss of one of the few likable characters in the story and then abruptly ending with several issues hanging.

Michael Kramer's performance was very good but even one of his talent wasn't able to keep the story very interesting.

Not too bad for a second book

Second books are usually kind of slow because they are setting up for the third book. This could have moved along faster, but it was still good as it did develop the story further. Its worth the time, so enjoy it.