The Shadow Road (Warlocks of Talverdin) [Paperback]

K.V. Johansen (Author)

Book Description

Series: Warlocks of Talverdin | Publication Date: April 1, 2010

In Book Four of the popular Warlocks of Talverdin series, the struggle passes on to the next generation. Betrayed by a member of his own family, abducted, poisoned and forced to recreate an ancient spell that might—if it doesn't kill him—open the lost shadow road, Nethin, son of a Nightwalker lord and a human witch, is thrown into a struggle for survival in a dying land. In that land, the Homeland, he meets Alabeth, an orphan who survived the slaughter of the last warlocks by their own kinsfolk. She is willing to trust him, but her people have rejected her. Capture means execution for both, but an even deadlier foe plans vengeance against Nethin, and the life of every Nightwalker rests on what Nethin does next.
(20100708)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The fourth entry in Johansen’s excellent Warlocks of Talverdin series tells the stand-alone story of Nethin, the son of a Nightwalker and a witch, who discovers he has been drugged, kidnapped, and hidden so well that all the magic at his parents’ command cannot find him. Transported cross-country in a coffin, disguised by the stench of putrefaction and an altered appearance, he finds himself forced to work a powerful magic for his evil great-grandfather. The magic takes him to the Shadow Road, a path that makes the halfworld pale, where he encounters dangers not only to himself but to an entire world. Grades 7-12. --Diana Tixier Herald

Review

"Followers of The Warlocks of Talverdin will relish this fourth book, while those new to the series can jump right in with very little confusion and become fans themsevles. Readers will be hooked from the first few pages." (PSLA Best of the Best Reviews 20100219)

"The Tolkienesque scale of the story is clear in the large glossary of characters at the end of the book...What better balance for cheery summer weather than a landscape clouded by looming evil?" (The Georgia Straight 20100801)

"The adventures that ensue are complex and carefully constructed; Johansen is adept at presenting intricate political and social intrigue, supported by strong characterization...She has created a fascinating, original fantasy world, one which readers will want to enter in to dwell. As with Middle Earth, we imagine the shadowy spaces outside of the narrative, peopled by characters we have yet to meet, partaking of incidents that have yet to happen, and we fervently hope that K. V. Johansen will continue to tell their tales for years to come." (Resource Links 20100901)

"Fast paced and dramatic, Nethin's adventure took swift hold of my imagination and provided a splendid imaginary escape to another world...Highly recommended." (CM Magazine 20110401)

"The novel contains a good balance of heroic physical exertions with magic-use, and presents brave, resourceful young heroes of both genders." (VOYA )

"Very exciting." (TriState YA Book Review )

"The reader is gripped, shocked...Characterizations are solid, and the language paints a picture of setting which is believable. Readers who enjoy well-written fantasy ought to get some satisfaction from the series." (Puget Sound Council for Reviewing Children's Media )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Orca Book Publishers (April 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1554691656
• ISBN-13: 978-1554691654
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #765,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

K.V. Johansen was born in Kingston, Ontario, and is the author of numerous works for children, teens, and adults. She predominantly writes secondary-world fantasy, but is also the author of some science fiction and literary criticism, and of a collection retelling medieval Danish ballads. With an artist friend, she is also working on a manga-style adaptation of a short story set in the Blackdog world. Johansen has an M.A. from the Centre for Medieval Studies at the University of Toronto. Her lifelong interest in ancient and medieval history and the history of languages has had a great influence on her writing and world-building. Johansen was the editor of Stalin Versus Me, the final, posthumously-published volume of Donald Jack's "Bandy Papers" series. She is hard at work on more Torrie books and on further works set in the world of Blackdog, a secondary world fantasy for adults coming out in September 2011.

She has a house full of exotic trees, most of which have gotten too big to pretend to be bonsai any more. Her websites can be found at www.pippin.ca & www.kvj.ca .