The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Shadow of What Was Lost, the compelling debut novel by James Islington, transports readers to a world rich with history, magic, and intrigue. Set in a realm where the balance of power has been disrupted, it tells the epic tale of a young man named Davian, born into a time where his magical kind, the Gifted, are shackled by societal prejudice and restrictive laws.

Two decades have passed since the fall of the Augurs, once god-like rulers with unparalleled abilities. In their wake, the Gifted, who served them, have found themselves burdened with suspicion and hatred. This fear has led to the imposition of the Four Tenets, laws severely limiting their powers. Davian, a young Gifted, finds himself grappling not only with societal oppression but also with a revelation that threatens to reshape the world’s future. He discovers that he possesses the rare, forbidden powers of the Augurs, setting him on a path that will test his courage, loyalty, and resolve.

Meanwhile, in the midst of this burgeoning chaos, another story unfolds. To the west, a man awakens in a forest, his memory blank, shrouded in mystery, and his hands stained with blood. His fate is mysteriously linked to Davian's own, guiding them both toward a greater destiny than either could have imagined.

In the far-flung north, rumours of an ancient adversary once thought vanquished begin to surface, hinting at a threat that could undo the fragile peace of the land.

The novel is the opening volume of the Licanius Trilogy, setting the stage for a saga of friendship, betrayal, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness. As Davian embarks on his journey to discover the true extent of his abilities and the intricacies of his past, readers are drawn into a beautifully constructed world that showcases Islington's impressive storytelling acumen.

Praised for its intricate world-building and deeply developed characters, The Shadow of What Was Lost invites fans of epic fantasy to explore a landscape of compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes. Readers captivated by the works of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire in this engaging tale of self-discovery and adventure.

Reviews and Praise:

'A storytelling assurance rare for a debut . . . Fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire' —The Guardian

'Wonderful worldbuilding and terrific characters' —Boingboing.net

'Will appeal to anybody looking for a coming-of-age fantasy tale with likeable characters and strong worldbuilding' —Fantasy Faction

'Love the Wheel of Time? This is about to become your new favourite series' —Barnes & Noble SF and Fantasy Blog

Delve into the mesmerizing world of James Islington's Licanius Trilogy, beginning with The Shadow of What Was Lost, continuing with An Echo of Things to Come, and concluding with The Light of All That Falls.