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  • The Shadow of What Was Lost

  • The Licanius Trilogy, Book 1
  • Written by: James Islington
  • Narrated by: Michael Kramer
  • Length: 25 hrs and 28 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (639 ratings)

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The Shadow of What Was Lost

Written by: James Islington
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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Publisher's Summary

It has been 20 years since the end of the war. The dictatorial Augurs, once thought of almost as gods, were overthrown and wiped out during the conflict, their much-feared powers mysteriously failing them. Those who had ruled under them, men and women with a lesser ability known as the Gift, avoided the Augurs' fate only by submitting themselves to the rebellion's Four Tenets.

A representation of these laws is now written into the flesh of any who use the Gift, forcing those so marked into absolute obedience. As a student of the Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war fought--and lost--before he was born. Despised by most beyond the school walls, he and those around him are all but prisoners as they attempt to learn control of the Gift. Worse, as Davian struggles with his lessons, he knows there is further to fall if he cannot pass his final tests. But when he discovers he has the ability to wield the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything.

To the north an ancient enemy, long thought defeated, begins to stir. And to the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian’s wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is....

©2014 James Islington (P)2015 Podium Publishing

What the critics say

"Robert Jordan fans should check this out!" (Pop Bop, Top 500 Amazon Reviewer)

What listeners say about The Shadow of What Was Lost

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

If you love fantasy read this!

A great story that kept me hooked right through. I loved how the story is large but never felt overwhelming or confusing. I highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent writing and story

I enjoyed this story very much. Reminds me a bit of Sanderson’s books. I would 5 star but nothing revealed was really surprising and the ending climax was not very climactic. The story however was very good. I would recommend and already have the second downloaded.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great first read from author James Islington.

Loved this book.As I have not listening to many books I did find it hard at times to understand characters. I got lost with names and places a few times. the character development is great. getting ready for the next book.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Loved it as a fan of Sanderson, Jordan, GRRM etc

This is a must for anyone who loves epic fantasy and wants a great story with lots of action and intrigue. I love how dark this world is and I am curious to learn more about the lore. The characters are interesting and the magic well done, with lots of twists for both. Definitely starting book 2 after I'm done with this review!

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Whaaaat?!

Amazing plot(s) and characters. The build up is thorough and everything fits so well. Can’t wait to listen to book 2.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A New Favourite

I adored this book, I thought it was absolutely incredible. I really appreciated when characters met they asked questions to each other that I was pondering previously. It's like the auhthor knew what was going though my head. The world building is phenomenal. The geo politics going on in the world were fascinating. The narrator did a posively superb job relaying the characters. I always knew which character was speaking before the book told me. My only gripe which is very very minimal is that when I looked up the map for the world, it was very bland. I'd like a more detailed map. That being said I CANNOT wait to read the 2nd book in the series.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Enjoyed it

I enjoyed the story so far very much. The magic in the book is very interesting and the characters are well developed. I look forward to listening to the second book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exciting Epic Fantasy

This was a great book, everything I love in epic fantasy. The characters, plot, and world were so detailed and intricate. There were plenty of adventures, twists, and tense moments. It truly felt like a journey in more ways than one.

Caeden, Davian, Asha, and Wirr were all fantastic. They each had incredible moments together and apart, and felt like real people that could be empathized with. Caeden and Asha in particular were among my favourites, the former being a powerful warrior with a hidden past, and the latter becoming an incredible spy.

The world and its lore are easy to digest and I never felt confused or overwhelmed. This is helped by Islington's quality prose and his characters learning things as the readers do. I truly enjoyed the plot. Everything progressed at a good pace with some amazing twists thrown in that I was not expecting. This was especially true in the epilogue, which has made me eager for the second book.

I truly enjoyed this fantasy story and am eager for more of its characters and world. Perfect for anyone who wants an immersive and well told experience, and who is looking to be surprised at each turn.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Shadow of What Was Lost

I don't think I'll ever get tired of listening to Michael Kramer's narration... he's simply one of the best! I'm quickly falling in love with James Islington's story telling. Bravo!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Absolutely loved it

The performance by Micheal Kramer was so good, I already liked him a lot and the moment I heard his voice I got so excited! That assied, the magic system here is very well executed, it is clear so we understand it and it has continuity but it’s still mysterious, I really enjoyed the plot lines and most of the characters. Overall very good! Not my favourite but definitely a good one!

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