Customer Reviews

Shadows Return (Nightrunner, Bk. 4)

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Think of your favorite scenes from the first three books - Alec proving worthy of his Black Radley bow, Seregil entering the snow-covered cave in the Dravnian village, Beka leading Urgazhi turma behind enemy lines, the Rhui'Auros mystics of Aurenen. Whatever they were, you won't find them here. Instead you get Chapter 39 in "Stalking Darkness," where Alec's being tortured in the hold of a ship, only here it goes on for a full half of the book.

The first three Nightrunner books are captivating and original, like a grittier Sherlock Holmes, with just the right touch of wonder and horror to the magic of the wizards. They're also dense, packed with captivating descriptions that never bog down, and laced with insight on swordplay, archery, and various espionage skills. Anyone seeking to write fine fantasy should check them out.

With this book, though, the difference is striking. For while the book's cover is gorgeous, inside it looks like a young adult novel, and worse, it reads like one.

First, there's clumsy lines like "Peering cautiously outside, he froze as he made out a line of figures outside." Every writer makes such slips, but an editor should've caught them. What really drags it down, though, are all the interior monologues. These long summaries of what everyone is feeling. "Alec was normally the most reasonable and easygoing of men; but on this one topic he always grew troubled, though he wouldn't say much about it. All Seregil would do was avoid the subject. He made no apologies for his past, but he hated causing Alec pain." And on and on, over and over again. In the earlier books you can hardly find such meandering, and always just a sentence here and there - not full pages of lovelorn ponderings.

And where is Seregil while Alec is imprisoned? Surely he's out sleuthing, tracking down Alec to rescue him. Nope, he's in another cell. So we go from Alec being groped while drugged to Seregil being groped while drugged and then back again. In the first Nightrunner book, Alec is miserable in a prison cell for just one page before he's busted out, but here all you get is Alec missing Seregil and Seregil missing Alec. "Oh tali! If you were killed, because of me..." and a hundred pages later Seregil's thinking the same thing, "limp and useless, trapped in a cell with no means of escape." Two heroes trapped in prison cells doesn't make for compelling fiction.

As for the characters, Seregil and Alec have gone from hardened, wise nightrunners with a strong bond to dopey-eyed lovers acting like amateurs. Like in an opening scene, when they're sneaking out of a mansion and Seregil looks back for Alec and says, "Hey! Where are you?" And Alec says, "Shhh! They'll hear you!" Real professional. Or when passing in front of the queen's cavalry, Micum tells Seregil, "Hush, someone will hear you!" He might as well have shouted, "He's talking bad about the queen!" Why not just have him change the subject, or make one of those hand signals that were so interesting in the earlier books? Besides that moment, Micum is the only one who acts like his old self, and those scenes are good, if still not up to the earlier books.

The dialogue, as well, is thin and clichéd, where it was previously one of the best parts of the series - witty, to the point, every scene holding its weight. So again, what's missing is the depth, the wonderful texture and realism of Flewelling's prose. (For a better look at the difference in style, check out a comparison I'll post in the Comments.)

I really hate to say all this, `cause I love the earlier books so, and Flewelling is a class act. I don't know what she was after here, but it's not a rewarding read.

Things do start to move at the end, though (even if what will happen in a battle scene is obvious before it begins), and there's also an enticing glimpse of the next book.

The Nightrunner Series has been a favorite of mine ever since the books first came out. That makes leaving this review really difficult for me, as I believe that Flewelling is a great author.

However, I hate to say it, but this book just doesn't live up to her previous work. As other reviewers have mentioned, there are a lot of little mistakes, such as what happened to Alec's father, various misspellings, and grammar issues, but these are small compared to the real issues.

Simply put this book is missing everything that made the previous books work. The sense of realism is gone, and a world that once seemed complete and full is now flat and empty feeling (someone mentioned a cardboard city). The same can be said for the characters. In the previous books I always got the impression that as much as we have seen of Alec and Seragil and the others, there was still more underneath. In this book they seemed to have been whittled down to their basic descriptions. Instead of real people they are as flat as the rest of world. In fact the whole book seemed to be lacking life, and character.

Lastly was the story. The idea didn't seem bad at first, but the execution was not so good. Honestly it seemed very contrived. I won't be specific as to which points I found especially troublesome, as that would be revealing spoilers, but let me just say that there are many places where the feel of the story is more like bad fan fiction than the normal type of work I had become used to seeing from Flewelling.

There were so many clichés that lead into seemingly contrived events, which read more like getting from point A to C via X (what and why?) than a real novel. There were plenty of occasions where the conclusions reached didn't match the action that took place, and the behavior exhibited did not seem in character or even remotely realistic.

As one other reviewer said, Flewelling's strong point had always been the ability to make a fantasy world seem logical and realistic. It was easy to suspend disbelief when reading Flewelling because her world, and her characters and their situations were all believable. When reading this book I never once was able to reach that point.

To say I was disappointed in this book is an understatement. Honestly, it made me wonder if my appreciation of the other books was due to some type of sentimentality instead of an actual representation of their quality. I am not sure if I will be purchasing the next books in this series, but perhaps I will. I just hope that Flewelling will be able to recapture the magic that seems to have been lost in this one.

I want to preface this review by saying that I love the first three Nightrunner books, and I enjoyed the Tamir triad very much. As other people have stated, if you liked the first three then you should get the fourth one (if only for completeness). That said, I would not agree with the sentiment that if you liked the first three, then you'll love this one too. I was ecstatic when I first read on the author's livejournal that she was writing a new book. When I read about a month before the release of Shadows Return that she had already begun writing the fifth book, The White Road, I should have been suspicious. Again, as previous reviewers have mentioned, Shadows Return is short. It also ends rather loosely, leading me to believe that perhaps at one time Shadows Return and The White Road were supposed to be one long novel. I wish that they had done that because Shadows Return is a somewhat unsatisfying read. I re-read the first three in the days leading up to the release of the fourth, and each one took me two or three days to read. I read this book in one sitting, not necessarily because I couldn't put it down, but because I had needlessly cleared two days of any non-reading activities. It seems like nit-picking to argue over length (especially when the book is short given the author, not the genre), but it's a little frustrating to wait several years for a book that barely takes an afternoon to read, then find out that the next one (essentially Shadows Return: Part 2) is coming out next year.

My disappointment over the length leads me into my next issue- this is a very simple book. The text and spacing are very large compared to the last three books. When I picked up my pre-ordered copy I stood in line to pay and just studied the cover (which is gorgeous, by the way). When I finally cracked it open, after I got home, I wondered who had put a young adult book inside my new Nightrunner novel. Now that I think of it, that might be a good way to look at this new book- it's sort of like a young adult version of the books we've come to love. Characters that used to act in unique and varied ways based on specific background and growth now have just three moods (Alec- angry, jealous, naive. Seregil- vengeful, forgiving, conflicted) for easy-to-understand characterization. Side characters and past events are given tantalizing mention and then shoved aside (bad news for Beka-lovers such as myself). Lynn Flewelling has an excellent voice in her writing, and it was so frustrating reading a book that felt like it had been put through a simplification machine. Shadows Return reads like the first three books, but with shorter sentences and chapters, and no-frills vocabulary. As an english major, I love coming across a word I've never seen before and going to look it up. That never even came close to happening in this book. The last young adult characteristic that I noted was the frequent reminders of motivations stemming from the first three books. First off, most people reading Shadows Return will have already read the first three and won't need reminders of big events. Second, you can explain the first time a character does x that he's doing it because of y- you don't have to tell us every time he does x.

My last complaints have to do with the many errors in spelling/continuity present in this fourth installment. Any book will have a few errors in its first printing, but there are quite a few mistakes in Shadows Return. Not just grammar and punctuation, but names, events, and Aurenfaie words are misspelled or suddenly different. Remember when Alec's father was tortured to death in Asengai's dungeon? Hopefully you don't because it didn't actually happen. Maybe in an early draft of the first book Amasa was with Alec in the dungeon, but by now shouldn't the author and publisher know which version they went with? The good part about these errors is that they can be fixed in later editions, but those of us with first editions are out of luck.

The reason I gave Shadows Return three stars is because there are some genuinely fun and exciting parts. There is a fantastic twist in the novel that I didn't expect at all, and which led to some very interesting passages. A newly introduced character (I'll try not to give anything specific away) does have slight overtones of a deus ex machina, but is extremely interesting nevertheless. I trust enough in Lynn Flewelling's writing ability that I believe The White Road will alleviate the concerns that usually go along with deus ex machina plot devices (i.e. nobody can die, nobody can lose). Ultimately that's why I'm writing this review- the problems present in Shadows Return are ones that are easily solved, and it's not too late for The White Road to be the triumphant Nightrunner sequel that we've all been waiting for.

I think the negative reviews of the latest installment of the Nightrunners series are a little unfair. While it's true that "Shadows Return" is different from the previous three novels and that it is somewhat unpolished in terms of prose and editing, it is still a wonderfully entertaining book.

First, there are parts where I'm inclined to agree with the critical reviews. "Shadows Return" is not a polished novel and it is not as richly or poetically written as the previous three. It feels like Flewelling was either in a rush, distracted, or simply had a hard time putting her heart into Alec and Seregil's story after a hiatus of 10 years. There are typos and errors in continuity that somebody definitely should have caught. Additionally, the style of the prose is less complex, and it does read more in the style of a YA novel (although the content is still very adult). Like others have mentioned, the writing is also repetitive at times. That said, I don't really think these flaws make this book horrible or disappointing. I found myself wishing Flewelling had put a bit more care into her writing, because I actually thought the plot was phenomenal, full of potential to become rich with interesting types of magic.

One of the main differences, apart from style, is that this book is more about the characters than political intrigue. Actually, I prefer this focus. To me, "Luck" and "Stalking" were both really good because they were a fine blend of Nightrunning action and also explored conflict and growth between Seregil and Alec. IMHO, "Traitor's Moon" is the book that doesn't fit. I found it to be the least enjoyable of the 4 books because it was more of a typical "whodunnit" mystery, and there didn't seem to be much going on other than 1) waiting for everyone to figure out who the bad guy is and 2) exploring Seregil's past. In that book, Seregil and Alec's relationship was resolved, static, and had no interpersonal conflict. And that's where "Shadows" returns us: I was much more emotionally involved in this book. I felt my heart fluttering, felt myself grinning and wincing by turns.

So while this novel is not as well-written or complex, it introduces a lot more character-driven conflict. Seregil and Alec's dynamic is a lot more engaging and I'm glad the author created some problems and issues between the two men. There were some really good scenes between them and they actually didn't spend as much time languishing over each other in their respective prison cells as I had been led to believe by others' reviews. In fact, I thought that they were still the same old Seregil and Alec we know and love. They were strong-willed and strong-minded during their captivity, and, when the time came, they acted exactly like their old selves --resourceful, cunning, and brave.

I felt the addition of two new characters was a good move too, and I was pretty pleased with the way certain, er, people, were handled... Well, I can't give it away, but I really liked that the characters were more complicated, the bad guy(s) had more understandable and realistic motives, and that the characters overall were more in the gray than black-white. I love the new alchemic magic that's been introduced as well. One of my favorite things about the Tamir Triad was the idea of the bound ghost and the bone doll, and I feel like the weird alchemy introduced here retuns us to Flewelling's talent for the creative and slightly macabre in fantasy. The end of the novel is also a bit of a cliffhanger and leaves a lot open for crazy things to happen in the next book. Hopefully, Flewelling will return to her more detailed, lush style of writing in "The White Road", but either way, it seems like there is good promise for twisting plotlines and fun action ahead.

Personally, I think that it's the nature of novels to change as a series progresses. As much as we love the originals, Flewelling has to eventually take the characters in a new direction. In the beginning of Shadows Return, Seregil and Alec express being bored and tired of burglarizing houses and play-acting as nobles. I'm inclined to agree. It's time for them to embark on new adventures. Despite its flawed execution, I really liked "Shadows Return" and I think fans of the series should approach it with an open mind. It's different, but I think you will be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

SHADOWS RETURN is the fourth installment of Lynn Flewelling's Nightrunner series. After finishing the first three books almost nine years ago now, she has returned with a new exciting book about our two favorite nightrunners; Seregil í Rhiminee and Alec of Kerry.

Like her other books, SHADOWS RETURN starts with a small interlude to allow the readers to learn more about the two main characters, obviously meant to refreshen everybody's memories about the previous adventures of our two heroes. But even those chapters are exciting in their own way and wonderfully written.

The book quickly takes up pace when both Seregil and Alec are sent back to Aurenen by Queen Phoria to retrieve Klia. On their way towards her, they're ambushed and seperated as Zengati slavers take them along on a trip which is more hair-raising than the both of them could possibly imagine as shadows from Seregil's past start to come back and Alec learns more about his heritage and the rhui'auros' mysterious prophecy.

Shadows Return is definitely more horrifying and grotesque in it's own way than the previous books, but also far more impressive as Flewelling grows on in writing. Though nine years are between the release of TRAITOR'S MOON and SHADOWS RETURN, Flewelling has managed to get into the skins of her characters once more and write another fantastic story.

I'm sure that the next book in the series will be even better!

If you loved the first three Nightrunner books, that is reason enough to give this one a chance. Is it everyone's cup of tea? No. Is it written in the same manner as the previous books? Not really. The plot is narrower, and there are certainly a greater number of personal monologues. However, even if these elements don't suit you, I wouldn't give up on the series quite yet.

The new characters (both major and minor) are compelling, and the twists are engaging. The doubts Alec and Seregil have feel genuine, and the small conflict between the two toward the end of the story is worrisome, but will surely be resolved.

Overall, my personal opinion is that it is a wonderful book. I couldn't put it down.

Thank you for bringing Seregil and Alec back, Lynn.

This is a spoiler free review.

One of my favourite trilogies of all-time, The Nightrunner Series has long been denizens of my bookcases. So when I learned a new book had been released, I was estatically eager to reenter the world of Seregil and Alec, and follow Lynn Flewelling's detailed and emotionally engaging stories of the occurences in their lives.

In this installment the Oracle's prophecy regarding Alec, which he received visiting the Aurenfaie's homeland in "Traitor's Moon" reaches fruition. The story begins somewhat slowly with a synopsis of sorts of the last books, as Seregil and Alec are asked to prove their loyalty to Phoria by undertaking a mission back to the elvish homeland, but treachery occurs along the way, spinning them far off course and deep into enemy territory with many twists and turns along the way. We learn by the end of the novel, to our joy, that another series is beginning.

For readers who've read and reread the first three in the series, many of the characters and countries featured are well-knowned, so little background is given. It is somewhat assumed. First time readers might have a little difficulty realizing the depth of some of the surprises in the plot, yet to "old"readers, I found them predictable yet logical. Personally, I did not find the descriptive phrases and passages as strong as the other books, the secondary characters had little explanation and we were given no reason to care for them one way or the other. Perhaps in trying to keep the book moving at a fast pace, some details were sacrified that I believe the story could have benefited from, and others were repetitive giving slight annoyance. I also struggled with the reactions and behaviors in Alec, in particular, which I found out of character, or simply didn't make sense in the attempt to add facets to his personality that somehow didn't fit. Seregil, however and as usual, is his flippant, engaging self. Although the story is more centred around what is happening to Alec, I feel Seregil carried the story more vividly. Writing concerning Alec was the weaker link. The warmth of their relationship is hardly noticeable. A couple of attempts at closeness were shown, but overall I felt disappointment as their love seems to have cooled. Perhaps it will reignite in the next book.

It's a new beginning to a much beloved couple, and another journey starts to rid their world of evil and keep the innocents unblemished. A few flaws, but promising overall. Depth was noticeablely absent, but hopefully it will pick up in subsequent installments. I look forward to future releases.

I must admit that I was not particularly fond of Traitor's Moon, but my love for Luck in the Shadows and Stalking Darkness had me flying to the bookstore to buy this book, and I was certainly not disappointed!

Alec and Seregil are back with a vengence with a new and interesting chapter to their continuing saga. She manages to keep the relationship fresh as she weaves a deliciously twisted tale that'll have you racing to the end of the book while bemoaning that it's not longer. Her way with words and delectable descriptions, like in all her books, have you reading with all five senses.

I was reminded a lot of Stalking Darkness while reading, with its dark intensity and urgency coupled with sweet touches of the talimenios bond. Definitely my favorite of the four, but Shadows Return is a very close second. If you loved Stalking Darkness, you'll love this one, too.

[edit] After looking at the negative reviews, I have to say that I agree and disagree. Yes, the plot of this book is more straightforward, less full of intrigue and whatnot, but who cares? It's a different story and isn't exactly like all her other books...and apparently there's something wrong with that? Well, I think it's just fine. As to the plot not being "big" enough...if you don't see the implications of their situation, then maybe we weren't reading the same book. And finally, I think Alex and Seregil are perfectly in character and even if they're not out nightrunning the whole time, they're certainly not sitting around moping and doing nothing. It's a well told tale, and I absolutely adored it.

First of all there is to say, buying Shadow's Return, especially if you liked the first Nightrunner Books, won't be a mistake!
It's a good read, keeps the good flow in it's writing style and is bound to entertain you.

However, there are several things I noticed that bugged me a little, though it's obviously just my opinion:
The book at first appears to be the same size as the first ones, though you'll realise the fontsize is huge. The story is far shorter, and through that, near completly loses it's complexity, the interwoven sidestories, the little things and pieces making the world alive and breathing. For the first time, there's an amount of cardboard-city-feeling, especially concerning plenimar. It's also sad plenimar is just kept to be the 'evil' country with no good whatsover (for us to see, that is).

The characters changed alot, partly in odd ways by character development between the books. Alec to me seemed very bitter, Seregil rather immature, which feels very odd to me.
There though really developed niftily, and people who like him will find themselves giggle happily.

What I disliked most about the book however, and what makes me give it only 3 stars, is the huge plot-overkill.
I always loved at the Flewelling books that they kept something I'd like to call 'fantasy realism', that is, while obviously it's fantasy, the storyline always was perfectly logic and it was the characters having to struggle their way out of problems, not some huge magic or artefact.
And especially that's different in this books. While the idea of a created magical child wasn't bad at all, it really became some Deus ex machina. People die - no matter, they'll stand up again a page later. People are attacking - no matter, they'll just fall off their saddles and die. It's just not the usual Flewelling-Quality, sadly, but rather part of the huge group of random fantasy books with omnipotent beings, evil countries and a solution that lacks all the quality of the previous Nightrunner Books.

It was better than I expected. I was a bit nervous after reading many negative reviews, but I actually had trouble putting this one down! Although, I will say that the style was a lot different than the previous books. Granted, the author spent 10 years before picking up the story again, and her writing style has changed since then.
I liked the story well enough. I rather felt that it was an introduction to the next book, and I don't think it's as solid as the others. There are a LOT of loose ends, and the ending wasn't as defined. Nonetheless it was still enjoyable. I loved that there were new kinds of insecurities in Alec and Seregil's relationship, causing the characters to show different sides of themselves and raise questions that have been previously ignored.
The one thing I wasn't sure how I felt about was Sebrahn. The idea was interesting, but something about him felt terribly out of place. Perhaps it's just his ethereal appearance - it clashed badly with my vision of their traditional fantasy world. I really had trouble picturing it. But the "dragon" hint presented at the end definitely made me feel a lot better. I suspect I will warm up to him as more answers are revealed.

All in all I think it was pretty good. Better than I thought it would be, and I have good faith that the next few books will be increasingly enjoyable. YES, it was very different, but the different wasn't bad.
Another note - I finished this surprisingly fast. The font is considerably larger. I wasn't so put off by it since I was eager to finish it, but it took only took me two days to read it. The other ones took about a full week, reading at the same pace. I find that the different book design along with the different writing style disrupts the flow of the series a bit. It's still by FAR my favorite series, though! Can't wait for the next one, I have a feeling it will put this book under a new light. :)