Burdened with legend. Hardened by battle scars. Hellbent on bloody revenge. As the son of a famous general, Aravon is proud to captain his own company against his people’s enemy. But the experienced veteran’s march toward glory dissolves into pain as ruthless barbarians massacre every last one of his soldiers. Burning for vengeance, he leaps at the chance to spearhead a specially-trained company … specially-trained company and pay back his tragic defeat with blood.
Desperate to not repeat his tragic past, Aravon trains his new warriors relentlessly. But the captain fears that all the tactical drills in the world may not matter when they’re forced to defend a helpless village against overwhelming odds. As his quick raids sow chaos amongst the enemy, the bloodthirsty savages threaten to make Aravon’s nightmarish history repeat itself…
Can the captain take command of his fighting spirit before the kingdom falls to barbarous invaders?
Shields in Shadow is the first book in the action-packed Silent Champions military fantasy series. If you like square-jawed heroes, well-oiled military action, and epic world-building, then you’ll love Andy Peloquin’s gripping novel.
Buy Shields in Shadow to stand at the frontlines of a hero’s revenge today!
In The Silent Champions series:
Book 1: Shields in Shadow
Book 2: Battle for Peace
Book 3: Steel and Valor
Book 4: Courage to Sacrifice
Book 5: Ragged Heroes — (companion novel)
Book 6: The Last March — (companion novel)
more
I can’t wait to start book 2! This is an excellent start to a series and I love the characters!
Overall rating: 5
Abiarazi….what a great tie in! Made me so happy that I knew that! I know, it’s an odd way to start a review, but it’s just one small thing of many that add up to the greatness of this read. First, these battle scenes, I felt right there watching the sheer determination of these characters. I also cheered when the commander got punched! Not a fan of battle books? Read this one and it should change your mind! I plot out my books on a calendar to ensure I finish any that have time deadlines and this book jumped out of line. Yes folks, this is truly a “ stay up to finish” tome. Loved it and looking forward to book 2. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Shields in Shadow is a well-crafted military fantasy that does not disappoint.
The book begins with a big action-packed battle scene that sets up the Roman-style legion army, their enemies and the tone of the book. One of the battle survivors, Aravon, is recruited into a covert ops company and the story evolves from there.
I loved this novel. The pacing is more deliberate and slower than some of the author’s previous novels, but it works well for this book as it builds layers onto itself which pay off in the later chapters.
The characters are top notch with their development happening with a nice subtle touch which I appreciated. Their interaction is believable, and the trust of their team gradual and solidly written.
I was also impressed with the battle scenes as they are well crafted as to strategy and accuracy in regard to their real-world counterparts. You still have some fantasy elements, but nothing distracting or eye-rolling and grounded in realism. I especially liked the special armour colours and the nod to the different types of metals and weaponry. The superior quality of some of the blades reminded me of the legendary Damascus steel.
Overall, I give the book first rate marks and highly recommend it.
Andy Peloquin is the king of dark fantasy I really enjoy all of his stuff I highly recommend this
4 out of 5 stars
Aravon a well respected Captain with his own company when they are attacked by some savages the company must not repeat the hellish histroy that is bound to repeat itself . Can they take over come the savages and can Aravon take command of his fighting spirit before the savages take over the kingdom.
I must say the characters in this book are very well written and complex . Aravon is a strong man who has some flaws that make him such a good character. He is strong and commanding in a good way . He is the lone survivor of a massacre that has shaped into the man he is . The people in his company Colburn has lived a life of hardship as a half breed . He is one of a kind. I liked him . Then there is Belthar , he is a gentle giant that is so sweet but also so much in pain . You can feel it when he talks he is very closed off and quiet. You will want to hug him and keep him safe . Skathi is the only woman archer and she is strong and can fight with the best of them . You really don’t want to mess with her, she is also hiding some pain from her past . I loved her character and she really does put the boys in their place . Noll is snarky but deep inside he has a heart of gold and there is a goodness deep down that you will love when he brings it out . Zaharis is a secret keeper , mute but a great alchemist and he is also on the hunt for something that might not even exsist . Last but not least is Ranvladr a sweet man and a healer who has the heart of the biggest warrior but honestly just really wants peace . I loved all these characters and the way they interact with each other and will lay their lives on the line for each other when push comes to shove .
Ok i am going to tell you right up front this is a long book but you won’t notice cause the author sucks you in by chapter two . The author weaves such a fine story with great characters and such a great story line The battel scenes are well written and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story weaves itself around you and puts you in the middle of the action. You will be cheering Aravon and the company on through out the story . You will also want to wrap them up in blankets and tell them that everything will be ok . So if you want a complex story with characters that will have you cheering them on this is the book for you . So if you want a great stroy that will have you reading all night long this is the book for you .
If you’ve ever read any books by Andy, then you know you’ll get a story filled with lots of action, intrigue, and heart. I’ve been a long time reader of Andy’s and when I heard about his new saga, “The Silent Champions”, I couldn’t wait to see what this genius writer was going to do next. The Silent Champions Shields of Shadows is set in the same world of Andy’s other titles, yet it takes place many, many years after. You will still see the familiar territory and some names, but this new saga is a whole new story with Captain Aravon, a brave and intelligent soldier in the Prince’s army.
Set in the same harsh lands of Andy’s written world, Shields in Shadows follows the story of Captain Aravon, the Captain of the Prince’s Legionnaires, and the protagonist of the story. Aravon, in true Andy Peloquin fashion, is brave, kind, and cunning. He is also a humble hero, a warrior who will defend for justice and peace, no matter who you are – be it soldier or commoner. What makes Aravon so unique is his own realization that he is not perfect but relies on his instincts and “heart” to find the truth and bring justice. In a sense, he is the perfect soldier – hell bent on securing the safety of others but follows the orders given to him. However, as we dive head first into the beginning pages, Aravon is given an even harsher task than simply fighting with the Legionnaires. And that’s where the title, “The Silent Champions” comes in. Why are they called, “The Silent Champions”? And why are they silent? You will find out a few pages into the story why Aravon and his band of recruits are given this moniker. And can I just say how much I love the name! I don’t want to give out any spoilers, but know that these “Silent Champions” are rightly named.
As we’re taken right into the heart of things, Captain Aravon is given a very unique yet dangerous task – infiltrate the ranks of the bloodthirsty enemies and come out triumphant. With a band of warriors with their own unique talents and skills, these 7 warriors begin a new and epic journey. Where there were 7 to begin with, only 6 remained towards the end. And with each bloodshed and fallen hero, this unlikely group become fast friends. While there were some mistrusts and skepticism in the beginning, Aravon was quick to dispel any discrimination within his team. Aravon is a true leader and soldier – putting himself in danger without hesitation to save someone and following orders to keep things in line. The other teammates are all equally unique. Each with a talent and skillset that comes in handy and much needed throughout the story.
As a long time reader of Andy’s stories, it can be a bit hard to review his books. Not because they are hard to review – and I’m not contradicting myself – but because his books take you right into the action from page one until the very last page. I am too busy reading the story to think about what I want to write in my review. There is never a dull moment, and every page leads the story along perfectly and easily. This is my personal opinion of course, but if you’ve never read any of Andy’s books, then you must pick up this one. It’s a good start even if you are not familiar with the world that Andy created. And if you do read any of his books, then you’ll know that Andy’s world building and crafting is one that takes you along with his hard earned journey. Andy is truly a skilled craftsman in his research, editing, and heart that he puts into his stories. Probably a few tears and bloodshed too!
Shields in Shadows is part fantasy, part military action. Set in their own world, Shields in Shadows reminds me a bit of Gladiator and Lord of the Rings. But it also reminds me of Andy’s other books! Haha 🙂 I am looking forward to reading part 2 of The Silent Champions. As book one ends, and in usual Andy Peloquin fashion, there is somewhat of a cliffhanger that makes you desperately need to read the next one!
Thank you, Andy, for this new installment of heroes, heroines, and mystery!
I love this book! I really enjoyed the intensity of the battle scene right off the bat, what a way to start a book. It reminded me of the opening scene in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. The strong entrance drives home the severity of the situation. The author, Andy Peloquin, is a master fight scenes and battles. This book also reminds me of another movie, “The Devil’s Brigade” with William Holden, we’re an elite group of specially trained soldiers from Canada and the US parachute behind German Lines and use their Guerrilla style combat. The similarity between the movie and his book stops at Guerrilla commandos. The story really took off for me when they were finally done with training and left for the first mission. The inner woven threads of suspense, Intrigue, difficulties and investigative solutions sprinkled with a touch of humour makes this and an exciting and entertaining read. You will not be bored, put this at the top of your five star ‘books to be read’ list.
I was given this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this novel, Andy had a great start to a new series that will keep you entertained for hours. You will get so involved with the characters that you become one on them, going along for all the action and suspense. You really need to read this novel, you will not be disappointed!
This book is amazing. It has everything a great book should have. Excellent story, characters and world.
Captain Aravon has been tasked with setting up a special force of soldiers, a small band of 7 to take out the vicious barbarians, the Eirdkilrs. He must train and ready his small band of warriors, and save his kingdom. Will they be able to defeat their enemies, or will the past rear its ugly head?
There is no doubt that Mr. Peloquin is a master at the written word, and it wounds me to give this book a 3 star, as I have read a couple of his other books and absolutely loved them! Sadly there isn’t much depth to the characters, and the whole story is about the training for war, and the battles themselves. There is no delving in to the relationships between the characters, it’s all the blood and guts of war. If you are squeamish, be forewarned…it’s a bloody tale. They all do come to care for one another, but there just isn’t enough about each of them, their backgrounds and such to make one invested. The one character in the story that does capture the attention is Zaharis, out of all the character’s he is the most intriguing and I do hope he gets his own story.
I was given an ARC for my honest opinion.
Shields in Shadow draws you into the heat of battle with a gripping action and heart-pounding scenes!
Books that are filled with epic battle scenes are among my favorites and Peloquin did one helluva job! The small elite force reminds me of the band in Nicholas Eames’ Kings of the Wyld. In this book, each of the characters is believed dead and now work in the shadows. Each of the seven have their own specialty, unique personality, and brand of awesomeness.
Aravon and Skathi were my favorites. Aravon the born leader who must suppress his fear, his doubts, and carry the burden of guilt for the men who died under his command. Skathi, the fiercely independent archer with the fiery temper. And then there’s Snarl, the little enfield (flying fox), who was cute as hell. His presence really gave the story that much more depth. It’ll be interesting to see what Snarl (who is a messenger) does in future books as it grows fiercer. (I hope to see some really cool aerial attacks!!) I also hope to see more of Skathi’s backstory because I’m certain it’s an incredible story that could be a book in itself!
Peloquin never fails to disappoint. He truly is a master storyteller, and I’m really looking forward to see what unique twists, stories, and characters he brings to the fantasy genre. Whatever it is, I know it’s going to be EPIC!!
I found Shields in Shadow to be a gripping, gritty story with realistic characters in well-portrayed situations. The battle scenes were realistic as was the aftermath of battle – the pain of wounds both physical and psychological and the difficulty in healing both. The Silent Champions are a group of mismatched warriors with secrets and difficult pasts who have to learn to trust each other and work together to become an efficient force that can turn the tide in their war with the Eirdkilrs. Andy Peloquin shows the difficulties their leader, Captain Aravon, faces in doing this but they do come together and prove they are able to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Andy’s Enfields are an interesting addition to his world but if you are acquainted with European heraldry, they are not the same creature as found in European heraldry. But these are Fehlan Enfields from the world of Einan, not Earth. They are fascinating as companions and messengers for the Silent Champions and make me wish they were real.
Love it! Hard hitting action from the start and a fabulous array of interesting characters. The creation of a ‘Special’ unit to prevent the destruction of the Legion at the hands of the Eirdkilrs. It takes place in the same world as the Hero of Darkness & Heirs of Destiny series. This one is hard to put down! Can’t wait to continue the series.
WOW! That was my reaction to this book…a definite WOW! I received this as an ARC and have to admit that it’s the first book by Andy that I’ve read. It will NOT be the last! The character building in this book is very well done…bits and pieces of the back stories of the main characters are revealed throughout the book. As appealing as Aravon (the leader of the team) is…I found myself drawn to Zaharis…and later to Rangvaldr. They seem to have more depth to their personalities, and I really want to learn more about them. Favorites aside, the entire team put together to be the answer to their world’s prayers is amazing. The descriptions of the battle scenes are so detailed that it’s easy to envision the action.
I have never been that ‘into’ stories that rely heavily on battles and war, but this book has changed my mind about that. I highly recommend it and will most assuredly follow the adventures of this band of warriors.
Love this book. Andy is a great storyteller. Excellent book.
This breath taking first book in the series The Silent Champions is what I envisage becoming a fantasy epic saga full of great battle scenes enacted between the Eirdkilrs and our masked, hence faceless and voiceless, champions of Icespire. The select group consisting of Aravon, previously a commander in the legionnaires whose guilty conscience gives him hell all the time, Colborn a half Falhan lieutenant, Belthar a giant warrior, Skathi the only female previously of the Agrotorae and a real menace with her bow and arrow, Noll the scout, also a legionnaire, Draian a healer, Zaharis a priest known as a secret keeper from the temple of whispers and of course Snarl the little enfield who was to serve as messenger. This team answered only to Prince Toran and Duke Dryund and were to be the protectors of their lands which were being overrun by the Eirdklrs and now also by the Blodhundr whose Chieftain Hrolf Hrungnir was fearsome and had no qualms about killing all half-men including their women and children in the most brutal of ways. Our cast of heroes are courageous to a fault and watch each other’s backs looking out for their people against all odds. A violent book but a very heroic one, gripping from start to finish and with an ending which leaves us yearning for book 2.
I received this book as an ARC.
I was drawn into the story from the first page. It’s a gripping story that has a quick pace. It’s full of suspense and intrigue. This is a military style story, different from his other books. It will bring your imagination alive. It seems like a lot of research has gone into the story with the training, tactics , and battles .An outstanding read. I love the humbleness of some of the characters, their loyalty to one another. It is easy to relate to them. We get to see the little team come together, train together and learn a bit about each of their characters.
Defeat, dead comrades, despair and near-death turn into a new chance for vengeance, victory and a new beginning.
This is an excellent story.
Phyllis S.
I loved this book! It begins and ends with non-stop action. The characters are a motley crew of specialists, each with their own unique skill set that makes them an unstoppable force. The team has all of the characters that make them a fun loving bunch, like the guy who takes everything too serious, the fun and innocent brute, a humble genius, a strong and independent woman, and the inappropriate knuckle head. As a veteran, I loved how the team took shots at each other through out the book. It builds camaraderie like nothing else. I almost read it cover to cover in one day, but my wife made me put it down and go to bed, cause sleeping before work is so important, just like breakfast. I was over the moon ecstatic that the story takes place in Einan, I can only imagine and dream of the introduction of some very familiar characters from the Hero of Darkness and Heirs of Destiny series. Full disclosure, I was not very pleased that Andy wasn’t going to further develop the Hunter or Heirs after their series left holes in my heart, but this did the trick.