Customer Reviews

Shadow Over Kiriath (Legends of the Guardian-King, Book 3)

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4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
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The king of Kiriath, Abramm Kalladorne, knows that though he has defeated several foes, the invincible Black Moon army of Esurhmarches towards his country crushing the feeble opposition along the way. Esurh plans to control all land that touches the Sea of Sharss including Kiriath. To Esurh, Abramm will always remain the "White Pretender" slave who fought in their arenas at one time. Abramm also has internal dissension fostered by the still popular Mataio religious order, whose insurgency failed, but remain openly defiant and objects to his rule.

Abramm accepts a marriage of alliance with the ruling family of nearby Chesedh; he will wed Princess Briellen, but Abramm is more attracted to her younger sister Lady Madeleine, who feels the same way as he does. If they go down that path they will fail their respective nations at a time when their enemies near.

The third epic tale in the award winning Legends of the Guardian-King saga, SHADOW OVER KIRIATH, is a fantastic allegorical fantasy that contains several major subplots that tie back to the main superb story line. Though he has defeated his internal opponents such as his brother (who sold him into slavery) and the Mataio order, both and others remain a threat to his reign and to his country. Those machinations pale alongside of the coming invaders as even the monarch has doubts that Eidon will save his people from slavery. He also ponders how to marry the woman who stirs his blood without alienating Chesedh or Eidon. Karen Hancock provides a powerful stand alone epic tale that is excellent as a stand alone, but is incredible when read back to back to back with its predecessors (see LIGHT OF EIDON and THE SHADOW WITHIN).

Harriet Klausner

After his encounter with the morwhol in The Shadow Within, Abramm Kalladorne is recovering from the wounds he received during the fight. Though he has succeeded in taking his rightful position of king of Kiriath, there is an upward battle to securing Kiriath's peace and security. Abramm is also coming to grips that his injury has scarred and crippled him for life, which evokes depression on his part. It seems that everything that can go wrong has come about.

The evil has again begun plotting his demise, but is taking a different tack this time. While Abramm is promised to be married with the princess of Chesedh, to create an alliance with the neighboring country, he has found himself dangerously attracted to her younger sister. Lady Madeline also is beginning to have feeling for Abramm, but understands that by being a second daughter, she could never act upon them. As the wedding of Abramm and Princess Brellian approaches, Abramm continues working to restore his countries defenses and ferreting out those who are conspiring against him.

Once again, Hancock has written an excellent fantasy. I have loved this series since I read the first one, and I have eagerly awaited each subsequent book. And each time, I have found the next to be better than the one before. Filled with romance, faith, betrayal, and joy even in suffering, Shadow over Kiriath kept me enthralled throughout the whole story. I found I could not put it down until I had finished it. Definitely a must read for all who love fantasy.

The third installment of the four-part Legends of the Guardian King opens on Abramm's coronation day. Beset by threatened disaster and his first horrified look at the scars from his fight with the morwhol six months before, Abramm isn't at all sure he'll be accepted as king, even now.

Thus begins Abramm's next trial of trust. "The road ahead will be more difficult than anything you have yet faced, though its blessings are beyond anything you can imagine," he is told. Will he accept the path Eidon has for him, or choose the way of temporary relief from suffering?

Shadow Over Kiriath is a masterful work, full of Karen's now-trademark blend of romance, intrigue, and adventure. This is also her deepest spiritually-she so perfectly captures the proving of true faith in the fires of disappointment and loss. This part of the story was both easier to read than I expected, but harder too-and left me awash in the wonder of God's grace and unfailing love.

As always, her characters continue to leap off the page, living and breathing in their own right. Her storytelling remains tight, her description vivid, and my only complaint is at having to wait a whole year again to read the series finale.

I'm a huge fan of Karen Hancock. Her latest book is as amazing as all her other award-winning novels. SHADOW OVER KIRIATH continues the Legends of the Guardian King with rich use of language and powerful symbolism.

Abramm faces his most glorious victories and his darkest suffering-all with a new level of maturity and wisdom. I especially enjoyed his blossoming relationship with Maddie, and the swashbuckling adventure of the story.

I was also inspired by the example of a man who battles the same temptations I do-fear, doubt, confusion and constant awareness of scars and weaknesses. Hope grew in my own heart as I read about a man who comes to the end of himself and finds he is never alone.

Be warned that as part of a series, the book ends with some intense issues unresolved. But even with more to come, there is enough hope to keep me going until the next book. I can't wait for the next installment. If you haven't yet discovered this series, now is a great time to start.

The three part series of Kiriath has been a fiction to dive into, it is so well written. This is the last of the series, I wish it wasn't since I have lived with the characters thru thick and thin.

Author's style is clear and straightforward. Karen Hancock is a great author, I have also her other books.

Shortly: if you buy this series of books, you will never regret it!

This book did a good job of transitioning from the last book into the new story.The story line was good and made for interesting reading.I am defintely a fan.

The book opens on the day of Abramm Kalladorne's coronation after a hard-fought victory to take the throne that was rightfully his. But the battle is far from over. The rhu'ema, evil, seductive spirit beings, are set to ruin Abramm's day of glory. But when Abramm dons the ceremonial regalia of his forebears-a crown, a cape, a scepter, and an orb-Eidon manifests his Light in a brilliant display that confirms Abramm as God's chosen king.

Before Abramm's coronation is complete, Esurhites of the army of the Black Moon attack the fortress on the coast, plunging the country into preparations for war. Abramm needs the support of his Chesedh neighbors, but the only way they will ally with Kiriath is if Abramm agrees to marry the First Daughter of the Chesedh king. Determined to do what is best for his kingdom, Abramm agrees. But in his heart he fears his bride will be repulsed by his maimed left arm and deep facial scars he received in his battle with the morwhol (end of book 2).

Lady Madeleine, Second Daughter of the King of Chesedh, struggles with Abramm's commitment to marry her older sister. She's spent a year at the Kiriathan court doing research on the fortresses and guardstars for Abramm. In the course of her work, she has fallen in love with Kiriath's king. But she is not the First Daughter, and her plain face and outspoken ways don't exactly stir a man's heart.

While she's determined to avoid the king and hope her heart recovers, their enemies have seen the attraction and use it to stir the king's personal conflict to augment the ever-increasing problems he faces as the Shadow presses in on Kiriath's borders. Battles rage on land and sea, and in the hearts of men, until Abramm's greatest joys lead him to make a torturous sacrifice that puts his faith to the ultimate test.

As Abramm Kalladorne prepares for his coronation, the Mataio, members of the Shadow, the Esurhite enemies, and even a hidden enemy in Abramm's own cabinet, plot to overthrow him in the third book of the multiple award-winning series, the Legends of the Guardian-King. Karen Hancock's Shadow over Kiriath continues Abramm's attempt to claim his crown and to banish the Shadow from his land.

Six months after he defeats the morwhol in Book 2, Abramm has a crippled left arm from the encounter and vivid scars on his face. His brother Gillard wastes away in unconsciousness from the attack, but his defenders hope to rescue him. The Esurhites continue their attacks on neighboring Chesedh and on Kiriath, prompting the two realms to agree to a royal marriage between Princess Madeline's older sister, First Princess Briellen, and King Abramm. The Mataio start to challenge Abramm's coronation because of his physical imperfections when Eidon manifests his approval of Abramm with supernatural power.

Though the manifestation at the coronation make Abramm extremely popular, ushering many believers into following Tersius, son of Eidon, all is not well. The king's growing realization of his love for Princess Madeline and her love for him threatens the alliance between Chesedh and Kiriath. Is Princess Madeline's brother present to steal the country's historic regalia which legend says imbues the rightful king with special abilities? Where will the Esurhites strike next? How can Abramm reignite the Guardstars to protect the country? Is Princess Carissa's abusive ex-husband willing to submit to the rule of Abramm? Through all of this, one of Abramm's confidantes plots against him.

Hancock, winner of eight awards for the first two books of the series, plies her great storytelling skills as she carries the reader back into Kiriath. This book concentrates more on the love story than the other two books of the series, though she provides plenty of swashbuckling excitement with Esurhite pirates, rebellious lords, and the vindictive Mataio.

As in her other books, she builds on Abramm's growing faith, but he shows a lack of regard about his and Madeline's reputations that is disappointing. At times they do incredibly foolish things. Although Princess Carissa's love for Abramm's best friend, Trap, is foreshadowed, she disappears for long stretches of the book. Hancock makes the Shadow, the forces of evil, appear stronger than the great god of light, Eidon, when she allows a master evil spirit called a Warhast to indwell some who have accepted the Terstan shield, which is a symbol that Eidon burns into the chest of his converts. Hancock does not explain how both could occur.

Shadow over Kiriath is a good book and an exciting read. After the first two books in the series were so superb, this one seemed a slight letdown. Others may disagree. Fans of Kiriath, Abramm Kalladorne, and Karen Hancock will want to grab the nearest copy. I'm looking forward to book four in the series. -- Debbie W. Wilson, Christian Book Previews.com

Legends of the Guardian King, Book 3 was as great as Books 1 & 2. The story is multi-faceted and intertwined well. I am really enjoying this series of books.

I loved this series. This book may have been my favorite from it. The ending will take you by surprise. If you've never read it, read this series. If you have read it - read it again, lol.
I loved the mix of Christian allegory and fantasy. The fantasy elements were key in the book but not confusing or overpowering. The main characters are well-rounded and each has their own story line. I cannot recommend it enough.