Shadows of Valor
On the surface, Graywall is content and booming. Lord Shaufton, who presides over the city, is a fine ruler. The poor are well-cared for, the area is popular, and morale is high—but within Graywall’s roots, something dark is stirring. This darkness threatens to overpower the once-peaceful town, until a mysterious figure appears: The Shadow.
As much a figure of fear to the unruly as legend to the innocent, The Shadow is an enforcer of justice and aid to the King. Due to an outrageous export tax set by King Edward, smuggling has tainted the kingdom, so The Shadow is sent to hunt the smugglers down. Contrary to legend, The Shadow is simply a man known as Sir Calan who, although talented and just, struggles to keep his dark thoughts of revenge from becoming ruthless action.
Due to sheer coincidence, The Shadow learns of a deadly plot against Lord Shaufton on a journey to Graywall. Now, he must enter a pseudo courtship with Lord Shaufton’s daughter under his original guise of Sir Calan, all while old emotions are stirred by the lovely Elsbeth, Lord Shaufton’s niece. Elsbeth, it seems, is the only woman who can heal his troubled soul, but she has a story of her own. What transpires is a glorious tale full of deceit, greed, inner struggles, betrayal, and most of all—love.
My Review of Shadows of Valor
I read many genres of books, and this is one of my favorite genres…if it is done well. And, Shadows of Valor is very well done! It is a romantic adventure set in medieval times. It’s full of mystery, intrigue, and adventure. There are knights and princesses. Castles and small village homes. Heroes and villains.
Elsbeth’s uncle, who is lord over the village of Graywall, took her in after her parents are killed in a fire. His daughter is like a sister to Elsbeth and though they are quite different in personality they love each other and get along very well. Elsbeth has a passion for helping the villagers. She is a midwife and acts as a sort of nurse to the children in the orphanage. She believes she will end up an old maid since her arms are covered with scars obtained from the fire that took her parents’ lives, so she does all she can to serve the village.
I love these characters, and Elsbeth is my favorite. She is such a strong heroine! She’s funny and loving and so giving. And Calan is every girls dream! He’s handsome and dashing and mysterious! Who wouldn’t love a daring knight? The secondary characters are very well developed and play important roles in the story. Love that! I can’t stand filler characters!
The plot of the story has a perfect flow, and the settings are described well enough for you to feel as if you are right in the middle of things. When Elsbeth is strolling down the village streets, you can feel the bustle of people around her. I felt like I knew just enough about everything without being overwhelmed by minute details. In other words, enough is left to your imagination to make it your own.
For a first novel, this is 100% amazing! I can’t wait to read more novels by Elsie Park! I totally and completely recommend this book.
Update
The second book in the series, Perils of Wrath, is out. I just found out today as I was updating old posts! I’ll be reading it soon, hopefully!
About Author Elsie Park
I grew up in a small town outside Yosemite National Park, California, U.S.A. I enjoy soccer, piano, reading, writing, art and my family. Years ago I spent 18 months in Italy teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Seeing the castles and old Roman cities enhanced my fascination for ancient and medieval culture. In college I studied zoology, botany and criminal justice. I’ve worked as a wildland firefighter, security guard and a police officer, but I am currently a stay-at-home mom, spending time with my children and husband. I love thinking up new ideas for interesting stories and musical compositions to go with them.
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