Shadow In The Deep

Shadow In The Deep

Posted On: January 23, 2010
Posted In: Fantasy, L. B. Graham, Symon
Comments: 3 Responses

Reviewed By Symon: 8 out of 10.

Shadow In The Deep: Book 3 of The Binding Of The Blade series.  By L. B. Graham.

As the rains fall and the floodwaters rise, Aljeron embarks on a dangerous quest across the forsaken land of Nolthanin.  For all of Kirthanin, the days are dark and hope seems far away.  And yet, in the midst of their darkness, a ray of light appears when Benjiah takes up Valzaan’s staff and enters where all others fear to go.

The Binding Of The Blade Series is a true fantasy masterpiece consisting of one epic story spanning 5 separate books.  Shadow In The Deep is the middle portion of this story, and therefore is rather difficult to review (and should not be read) as a stand-alone story – It’s what you’d expect from the middle quarter of a story (except it’s 500 pages long), and I liken it’s feel and style to The Empire Strikes Back in its relation to the original Star Wars trilogy.

This book continues the continuing events of 5 main characters -

  • Aljeron and his team as they venture to the dangerous North to find the legendary King of Dragons.
  • Queen Wylla, as she struggles to rule one of the last standing cities of a realm at war with the ultimate enemy.
  • Benjiah, 17 year old son of Queen Wylla and his coming of age as the next prophet of Allfather.
  • Rulalin, traitor of the Novanna and his story marching with, and fighting alongside Malek’s evil hordes.
  • Caan, legendary swordsman and leader of the combined armies of Werthanin, as they flee and ultimately battle the armies and monsters of Malek.

Did I mention this book was complex?

I enjoyed Shadow In The Deep more than Bringer Of Storms, and as much (if not slightly more) than Beyond The Summerland.

A couple of negatives:

  • Shadow In The Deep is slow paced at times (although not as much as the first 2 books).  This series is an epic fantasy drama (with superb occasional action sequences), rather than a fantasy action/adventure.  If you have preconceived notions that it is high-action, you may be disappointed.
  • Shadow In The Deep has extended segments of dialogue.  Portions of this book read like they should be in the deleted-scenes section of a DVD (having been cut to keep the pace up).

Having said that, this series is (bar none) the best Christian fantasy fiction I have read – It’s parallels, morals, and message is phenomenal!  In conclusion, as I mentioned before – The 5 book series is one continuing story divided into 5 books, and therefore Shadow In The Deep should not be read as a stand-alone novel or out of order.  If you enjoy huge fantasy epics with definite Christian values, monsters, battles, tragedy and some romance, look no further than this series.

Click here to visit the Binding Of The Blade website.

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