Skein of Shadows: Dungeons & Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited Novel [Kindle Edition]

Marsheila Rockwell (Author)

Book Description

Praise for The Shard Axe by Marsheila Rockwell:
“The action is quick, brutal, and author Marsheila Rockwell does a wonderful job painting believable characters in mythical situations that are just magical enough to still be grounded in some sort of realism. The Shard Axe  . . . is a must for any fan of Dungeons and Dragons novels, fantasy novels, or the MMO.” —MMOfallout.com
"Sabira is a great fantasy noir action heroine, and her adventure had a lot of fun surprises and colorful characters. I'm happy to recommend it to others, especially fans of Eberron and DDO. It was a fun read and I look forward to further tales of the Shard Axe."
--Sigfried Trent, DDOcast
 
 
“I enjoyed [The Shard Axe] very much. It was great to see references to various DDO:U NPCs and situations. In particular I really liked a scene where the protagonist had to deal with acid-spewing traps in Stormreach’s sewers. It felt ‘like home.’ ”—Cordovan, myddo.com
 
“Sabira d’Deneith is a fantastic character. She’s flawed and likable. . . .The beginning of the novel really throws you into things. It’s exciting, action-packed, and allows you to really get a grasp on what is going on.” —Read Between the Lines
 
“This is a book to be devoured in one setting.  It is fast paced with bits of backstory dropped in at choice moments that flesh out Sabira’s story perfectly.  While I am not as familiar with Eberron as I am the Forgotten Realms, this book required no previous knowledge of the Eberron setting and can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.  The key element of the story is Sabira, to say that her methods are unorthodox and she is a “bit of a rule breaker” is an understatement but she has a fierce sense of duty that guides her actions.  So her prisoners are brought in a little worse for wear?  It is part of her charm…”—Stefan’s Bookshelf

Overview:
Created in conjunction with the latest update for the Dungeons & Dragons online game, this exciting adventure continues the story of Sabira from The Shard Axe, featuring an underground expedition in dark caverns, drow intrigue, powerful artifacts, and unrequited love.

Read More:
 
If you are looking for more about Dungeons & Dragons Online search for, “The Shard Axe” by Marshiela Rockwell, a chilling mystery set in the world of Dungeons & Dragons Online.
If you are looking for more kickass heroines, search for “Gauntlgrym” by R.A. Salvatore, featuring the alluring and powerful Dahlia Sin’Felle who squares off against the legendary Drizzt Do’Urden.
If you are looking for more about drow, search for “Homeland” by R.A. Salvatore, the first book in the epic Legend of Drizzt.
If you are looking for more fantasy mysteries, search for “The God Catcher” by Erin M. Evans about a woman who may be a dragon—or who may just be criminally insane.
If you are looking for more epic fantasy series, search for “Twilight Falling” by Paul Kemp, about Erevis Cale, an assassin with a conscience.
 
For more about Skein of Shadows, go to DungeonsandDragons.com

Product Details

• File Size: 1985 KB
• Print Length: 263 pages
• Publisher: Wizards of the Coast (July 3, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007B2FMKI
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Not Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #242,672 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars sequel to The Shard Axe July 3, 2012

By Lisa McGeen

Format:Kindle Edition

Skein of Shadows by Marsheila Rockwell is the sequel to The Shard Axe. Sabira d'Deneith is tasked with the rescue of Tilde, sister to her dead partner Ned, and the powerful artifact she had been trying to retrieve from the drow underground. The leaders of House Deneith believe she can fulfill a part of the Draconic Prophecies and give them more power. Disaster after disaster befalls Sabira and her party as they make their way across the desert and into the unknown world of the drow.

Skein of Shadows is a fairly typical D&D novel. It was an enjoyable read and a good follow-up to The Shard Axe. With interesting encounters and a diverse group of characters, Marsheila Rockwell tells a story that I couldn't put down. I'd recommend this book to any fan of D&D and the world of Eberron.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Sabira Returns! July 3, 2012

By Stefan Gore

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Skein of Shadows is the sequel to The Shard Axe. Set in Wizards of the Coast's world of Eberron, it continues the tale of Sentinel Marshal Sabira Lyet d'Deneith, a.k.a "The Shard Axe". A name she acquired for the dragonshard urgrosh she wields with deadly efficiency. Skein of Shadows takes place about two months after the events of The Shard Axe.

The opening sequence of the book really sets the hook. Marsheila completely immerses the reader in the setting and you do not feel like a passive bystander but an active participant in the story. I could feel the claustrophobic caverns, hear the clash of battle, and most of all, sense the mounting tension of Sabira's task and the potential large scale repercussions it could have.

We meet up with some familiar faces from the previous book; Elix and Aggar, and some new ones, the most interesting of which is Tilde, Elix's cousin. Tilde and Sabira share more than just a cousin/lover, they share part of a Prophecy that could spell doom for all of Eberron.

We get to see Sabira move out of her comfort zone a bit. As a Sentinel Marshal she is used to working alone but this time she is in charge of a group. The mantle of leadership weighs heavy on her as she is forced to deal with loss during the book. It was interesting to see how much she cared for the welfare of her group, including the warforged.

I love Marsheila's writing style. It is descriptive, painting a vivid picture for the reader, and the prose is tight, with no wasted words. Each and every word carries the plot forward with maximum efficiency. No fluff or filler found here folks.

I really like the cover art and I think it is one of the best to date because not only is it a stunning piece of artwork, but it also captures Sabira's mood perfectly. She looks pensive, pondering her duty, her loss, and the daunting task ahead. I think the cover really sets the tone of the book.

Skein of Shadows is The Empire Strikes Back of Eberron, it starts with a bang and ends with a nuclear explosion. The force of which will be felt throughout all of Eberron. Marsheila shows that she has the chops to compete with the best and I can't wait to read more of her work. Whether you are a veteran of Eberron or looking for a book you won't want to put down, read Skein of Shadows, you won't be disappointed.

This is the first book in the Eberron setting that is centered around the drow. This coincides with Wizards of the Coast's new Rise of the Underdark and the new expansion of Dungeons and Dragons Online.

3.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable continuation April 12, 2013

By Cody A. Cremeans

Format:Kindle Edition

While no epic the Shard Axe was an enjoyable read, easily worth 4 Stars, and this book continues that saga in an entertaining fashion.
It also introduces the 'classic' spider/demon worshipping drow into the continuum, something that, in my opinion cheapens Eberron, which is supposed to rethink the classic views of normal D&D creatures. Thus 3 out 5

More About the Author

Marsheila (Marcy) Rockwell was born [redacted] years ago in America's Last, Best Place. A descendant of kings, pilgrims, Ojibwe hunters and possibly a witch or two, she spent the first few years of her life frolicking gleefully in a large backyard that is now part of one of the nation's largest Superfund sites. Perhaps that explains her early penchant for fantasy and horror - the first book she ever read (at the tender age of three) was Frank L. Baum's "Ozma of Oz."

Marcy sold her first short story to Marion Zimmer Bradley while in college and her first novel to Wizards of the Coast in 2005. She now lives in the desert in the shadow of an improbably green mountain with her Naval officer husband, their three sons, the requisite black lab, and far too many books. In odd moments stolen from her family and her writing, she can be found browsing eBay for Wonder Woman/Girl figures or Seabees sweetheart jewelry from WWII.

Find out more about Marcy and her work here: www.marsheilarockwell.com