Rating: 
Summary: A surprise addiction
Review: I bought this book from Amazon based on the synopsis---only because I was bored. To be honest, the synopsis made it sound like yet another run-of-the-mill sword-lockpick-and-sorcery fantasy novel, and the recommendations didn't help with their comparisons to fantasy writers whose works I've grown to dislike over time. I just needed something to read while on the stairmaster at the gym, so I bought it. And that most wonderful of occurrances happened---I discovered a deliciously good novel, completely by accident. It doesn't start out slow, but there *is* a lot to digest at first---a completely new world, both like and unlike those of other fantasy realms, complex politics, a number of characters who will all grow to be important eventually. Fortunately, Seregil is so charming and Alec so ingenuous that they alone held my attention during the required learning curve of this book. Once past that curve, I was able to appreciate the complexity of the plot---intrigue has always fascinated me, and the politics of war, while repellent, are plausibly and interestingly-presented here. A lot of people have commented on the central romance in the series (because there are several, which others have not noted). I want to emphasize, for those who may get the wrong impression from the reviews (as I did)---this is not a "queer fantasy". Rather---there's a same sex romance in it, but it's made clear in the books that neither of the characters involved is what we Americans would categorize, stamp, and bracket as "gay." They simply happened to fall in love with someone of the same gender. The same-gender issue *isn't* an issue, in most ways---neither of the characters spends a great deal of time questioning their sexuality or masculinity or fretting that they're violating the mores of polite society (mainly because, in this series, they aren't). I'm only pointing this out because I hate seeing books "labeled". If you're the puritanical sort who dislikes any dollop of non-traditional romance in your traditional fantasy, then the books will irritate you, so don't bother reading them. If not, you don't have to be a rainbow-flag-waving GLBT activist to like the series. It's just good fantasy, with a realistic and thoroughly satisfying romance in it. The romance is also not central to the novels' plot. They're spies and adventurers for the queen in a land beset by war. They fall in love, somewhere in the middle of book 2. They go on spying and adventuring for the queen as the war progresses. It's an accent to the novel, not a key plot element. So for those who dislike reading fantasy books which are really just thinly-veiled Harlequins with sword-wielding Fabio's on the cover, this book is a delight. (Don't get me wrong; personally, I love a nice central romance---when it's appropriate to the story. But in this case, too much attention focused on the romance would detract from the all-too-engrossing other plot elements of the books.) So since others have compared these books to another author's, I'll say this---these are excellent for those who are ready to graduate from reading Mercedes Lackey. Here is true originality, plausibility, excellent characterization, and fascinating worldbuilding. And a damn good read. The time on the stairmaster just flew by.
Rating: 
Summary: Mixed feelings
Review: There is no doubt that Lynn Flewelling is extremely talented as a story-teller. The world she creates is rich and vibrant, her characters are deep and interesting, and the tale she spins is well-paced and full of delightful twists and turns. She handles intrigue with a deft touch and the cohesion of her plot lines demonstrates the underlying vision necessary for believability. When it comes to the high standard that I set for my fantasy tales, Lynn Flewelling definitely has the right stuff. So why do I have mixed feelings? Call me old-fashioned and intolerant (in our PC culture, it is required that we tolerate everything but intolerance), but I am not at all comfortable with the bisexual and homosexual theme running through the book. Perhaps this is merely a personal shortcoming, but I felt like my ability to relate with the main characters was snatched away by Ms. Flewelling without warning, near the middle of the first book. I was very disappointed as the author began to take her novel in a direction which I found repulsive. (I am fully aware that many do not feel the same way, but is the author not aware that many still do find homosexuality something that, while tolerated, cannot be fully embraced as an alternate lifestyle?) By her treatment of the issue, Ms. Flewelling makes clear that she wishes to use her novel to make a strong moral statement. I applaud her commitment to her moral underpinnings and the bold manner with which she sets about sharing them with her readers. However, I hope she understands that many will make their own bold moral statement by not purchasing her books. On the other hand, if she avoids alienating her audience, I've little doubt that her writing is capable of best-seller status.
Rating:
Summary: A must read!
Review: When I was first lent this book, I was expecting the usual stereotypical "swords and sorcery" type of book with cliché characters, but soon after reading the first few chapters I realized this was not the case. Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling exceeded every criteria for books in the fantasy genre. Two main characters who both possess interesting quirks, a logical history, plenty of action, drama, humor, AND magic...what more could a fantasy-fan ask for? A must read!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a bad way to spend your evenings
Review: Flewelling puts the right ingredients into the first book of the Nightrunner series. There is intrigue, suspicion, and determination in this novel. She also adds some bold sexual roles to her characters, something rare in the fantasy genre. Overall it is not like the complex world of Jordan, nor does it have the character depth of Eddings. It is nevertheless a compelling book worthy of your attention.
Rating:
Summary: An Instant Classic
Review: Luck in the Shadows has the timeless quality of an instant classic. Alec and Seregil's meeting in a dungeon, their hair-raising escape, the revelation of the real Seregil, dangerous and compelling -- these images become part of our subconscious tapestry. Speaking of images, as soon as I saw the cover illustration of Seregil looking down from the roof at his pursuers, I knew I had to read this book. Seregil is a whip-smart rogue with an uncanny knack for acquiring information and keeping it to himself. Flewelling wastes no time in introducing Alec and Seregil to us and to each other, and revealing their horrific enemies. Seregil is complex and mercurial, a man who lives by his wits and acting skills. He is at home in all levels of society, and makes a charming guide to his world. Alec is his ideal partner - kind and innocent, yet intelligent and quick of hand and mind, reminding Seregil of himself as a youth. Their bond has the satisfactory feel of the last puzzle piece, feared lost, fitting snugly in place to complete the picture. The other characters are so fleshed out that in lesser books they'd be the leads. Micum Cavish, Seregil's friend of 20 years, is a bear of a man, gruff and plain-spoken. He and his family take to Alec instantly. Seregil and Alec have four little 'families': at the Cockerel, the Oreska, Wheel Street and Watermead. Personally, I find Seregil's enchanted rooms at the Cockerel, chock-full of books, gems and curiosities, enormously appealing;--I'd move there myself in a second. Nysander is the finest wizard since Gandalf: he has awesome powers and the compassion to use them wisely. All of Flewelling's women are strong: the warrior queen Idrilain, Micum's no-nonsense wife Kari, and their soldier daughter Beka. But the core of the novel is Alec and Seregil, and their growth both as individuals and friends in the course of myriad breath-taking adventures. Imagine all these strengths in a book written in clean,taut language by an enthusiastic author. What a treat.
Rating:
Summary: Nobility at its Best
Review: This is the first book of Lynn Flewelling's I had read. Wow! I just could not put it down. The majesty of the characters enthralls, you feel their emotions, their pain, their joy. Reading "Luck in the Shadows" sent me into another world. The two main characters Alec and Seregil are believeable. All the more for the unrequited love that Seregil has for Alec, and the nobility he has in not pushing his intentions on the young man. I can hardly wait for the next instalment. My recommendation, read it, if you have to beg, borrow, or go to your local library don't miss this book.
Rating:
Summary: one of the BEST books i have EVER read!
Review: this is one of the great books of ALL time! if you are into any kind of fantasy-- or even if you aren't-- read this book! buy it! character development is good, great plot-- no holes! -- and wonderful characters! long live sergil! long live alec! yea! :)
Rating:
Summary: An exceptional fantasy!
Review: This series is one of the best out there. Flewelling createsrich and complicated characters and settings, staying clear of stockplot points and instead weaving a wonderful world inhabited by real people. Alec and Seregil, our heroes, are entirely sympathetic even as they are not always admirable, and their friendship (and in later books relationship) is warm, wonderful, and all that one should be, regardless of sexual orientation. I HIGHLY recommend this series! Don't miss it!
Rating:
Summary: good, but not self-contained
Review: Be aware that although this is a good fantasy, it is not a complete story in itself. The story line is not wrapped up at the end in any way. The final words are "to be continued". Make sure you have the sequel "Stalking Darkness" on hand because you will want to read on without pause. Also some may be bothered by the bisexual themes that get more and more obvious during the sequel. I would recommend Tad William's "Dragonbone Chair" as an even better fantasy world--that was a series I was totally absorbed in.
Rating:
Summary: Fun fantasy
Review: Luck in the Shadows is one of those books you like to remember. No one will ever write on the cover "Comparable to Tolkien at his best!" (a sure signal that the book is overblown): this is a fantasy world where magic has laws, elves fall in love, and even those on a noble quest get blisters. Nice romance between the two heroes, as well, and it gets better in the sequel! Buy this for your kid sister (or brother) as their first introduction to fantasy, and they'll never look back.
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