Arthur and Kai have escaped the threat of Emrys, but now they must face life on the surface world—and all the fearsome creatures that dwell there. But just as they assemble the beginnings of a fighting force, they discover a vital component to their safety has been compromised. This means a return to Avalon, where Arthur has an unexpected encounter with the untrustworthy Merlin. The magician’s … orders are clear: Arthur must find the sword to save the surface-dwellers and Avalon. There is no alternative.
Kiri Ung, leader of the Nestines and ultimate controller of the Terran slaves on the surface, needs Arthur in order to ensure of the continuance of his species. With the Nestine Queen dying, failure means ultimate extinction. Wherever Arthur goes, so goes Kiri Ung.
Whoever finds the sword first gains control over all humanity. But simply gaining possession of this powerful artifact is not enough to wield its power. Let the battle commence.
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Keys to the Kingdom
This is an amazing second installment to the Shadow series. In Avalon, Shadow takes back stage while her two sons battle Nestines on the surface world. After two years, Arthur and Kai discover that their protections have been breached through the earrings they all wear. Nestines seem to be able to track their movements. They return to Avalon to figure out a way to alter the devices. Avalon’s seers have been infiltrated with Nestine drones in an attempt to get to Arthur. Though they escape, Arthur finds it necessary to bring Circe back to the surface with them. Circe has spent years trying to get pregnant with Arthur’s seed, which he continued to deny her. Can she be trusted?
This action packed edition is filled with new drama and intrigue. Arthur tries to stay one step ahead of the Nestines who seem to have a brilliant tactician of their own. Then there’s Arthur’s sire, Uther, who Arthur needs to contact in his quest for the sword – a family legacy. I couldn’t wait for that confrontation and wasn’t disappointed with the mixture of emotions their meeting created. The characters are all expertly drawn in this creative world. I was happy to get to know Circe, who I didn’t care for in the first book. She now comes across as someone you want to cheer for. Amazing storytelling! Highly Recommended.
This book took me completely by surprise, in a good way. This is a combination of Science Fiction and Fantasy. I don’t usually get on well with Science Fiction, but I really enjoyed this one. The author combines the two genres well. This book contains great characters, great world building and a great story. Basically, it’s great all round.
For some reason I seem to always be reading series in the wrong order recently. I have done it again here. I didn’t realise this was book 2 in a series. However, not reading book 1 did not spoil my enjoyment; it just left me wanting to go aback and read the first book.
If you become as drawn into the story as I was, be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster, where you will be yelling at the author one minute and thanking them the next.
Ingenious all the way, this series has so much going for it. I am completely in love with this sci-fi take on the Arthurian legend and I just couldn’t put the book down. Though I bought this book thinking it was number 1, I still enjoyed it so much and I am determined to get number 1 next to see how this all started. Reading this series a little out of order does not alter the enjoyment at all, though – on the contrary, because it makes you so curious about what came before as well as what will come next. Clever, clever stuff! Hats off to C. N. Lesley! I am so glad I discovered this. Whether fantasy or sci-fi fan, this one will not disappoint!
This is the second book in a series but I didn’t, for a minute, feel like I missed anything, or was being fed too much information. The setting is unique and so well drawn you feel like you’re there with Arthur.
His emotion and depth shine through from the first sentence as his men are being stalked and killed by a group called the Nestines. This isn’t just a let’s-save-ourselves kind of story. There is great conflict instilled into the plot itself in that the two factions trying to capture Arthur and Kai–one to eat and one to breed. Great story telling, dialogue and emotion!
After my enjoyment of Shadow over Avalon, I was really excited to read this book – number 2 in the series. I was pulled very quickly back in to this magical blend of science fiction and fantasy. Arthur takes the lead in this book, changing from isolated student of people, to a real leader. We meet new characters and the world is filled out even more. Some of the Arthurian themes are there, but they grow and change and so this story is not a retelling at all, but something new and belonging to itself.
Fantastic sequel to a mind-blowing series
I’m not sure what I can add to my review of Shadow over Avalon. Sword of Shadows is the second in the series and continues the epic story of Arthur, a legend reborn and taken into the far future. It’s just as engaging and exciting as the first novel. I love the Keys to the Kingdom thread that weaves through both, and I’m really looking forward to reading the next instalment: this one leaves the reader on a knife-edge! To sum up: original, epic plot, well-written narrative, great complex and flawed characters, well-drawn, immersing world. Up there with the best.