The Shadow Within (Hancock, Karen. Legends of the Guardian-King.)

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic fantasy
Review: After renouncing the Holy Brotherhood of the Matis, Abramm the Prince of Kiraith was sold into slavery by his brother Gillard who wanted the throne for himself. At Abramm's lowest point, he reached out to the god Eidon who accepted him as one of his own. He proudly wears the shield that every true believer of Eidon has. It has been six long years since he has been to Kiraith but he returns to take the crown he never wanted because Gillard is leading his country to ruin. His return is a dramatic one as he kills a spawn in a ferocious sea battle with the help of the Light of Eidon.

He openly challenges the council for the throne, not showing them he wears the shield of Eidon. The members of the council are so impressed by the man he has become that he becomes the ruler of Kiraith leaving Gillard as only the heir-apparent. He knows war is coming from many kingdoms who think Kiraith is weak and open for a takeover but before he can deal with that problem, he must come to terms with his younger brother Gillard who would rather plunge the country into civil war than see his brother rule. Abramm must battle religious fanatics, creatures of the shadow and the duplicity of man if he wants to keep the kingship. He must have faith in Eildon's plans for him and acknowledge his faith if he is to become the man he is meant to be.

In Abramm's world, his god is close to his followers, speaking to them and if their faith is strong enough, obeying his instructions. This is the second installment in the LEGENDS OF THE GUARDIAN KING and it is every bit as good as the prequel (LIGHT OF EIDON). Evil takes many forms in this story and one must believe in the light to see the darkness. Karen Hancock is a great world builder who has created a fantasy series that is reminiscent of the Arthurian mythos.

Harriet Klausner


Rating:
Summary: Brilliant! Stupendous! So when's number three coming out!
Review: I must say, that I have difficulty finding books that suffice, but my goodness! This book, as well as The Light of Eidon are stupendous and no one, I think, can say otherwise!

Such imagery! Such beauty! I love this series so much, and as much as I loved the first book, The Shadow Within is a fair amount better than the first one! Seriously, it is magnificent!

And the characters are so vivid and real that I almost feel like I stand right along side them.

Meridon Trap is one of my absolute favorites! He is hillarious, in a dry sort of way! Oh and the devotion he gives to Abramm is wondrous! I love books on friendship and I think this may be one of my favorite pieces on it.

(SPOILERS)

And the way Abramm comes to terms at the end with Eidon! It's amazing!!!! I just can't wait to see what is going to happen in the third book!!!!!! Seriously!!! I want to email Karren and shout at her to hurry up!!!!

(Spoilers over)

So yes, this story is a must!!!!!

God bless,
Firniswin

Rating:
Summary: Flawless
Review: Karen Hancock is a truely talented writer. Her characters remain true to their nature throughout her tales, stories are unveiled at a smooth, steady pace and the environment is described in a manner that enables the reader to envision it without having to wade through unnecessary prose. The Shadow Within is a perfect example of the above. Characters are richly developed and I find myself caring about them to the extent that I eagerly await the next installment of the Guardian King series so I can know what becomes of them. I believe any fan of Fantasy will enjoy Karen Hancock's books, including this one. For those who are Christian, it can be enjoyed and appreciated on different levels.

Rating:
Summary: Hancock Continues to Shine
Review: Karen Hancock's first two books won well-deserved Christy awards, and her newest offering is my favorite thus far.

Fantasy draws me in because of those moments when the hero's epic journey resonates with my own battles. Hancock is the virtuoso of noble yet flawed characters whose example inspires readers to face their own monsters with greater courage.

The Shadow Within swashbuckles with high adventure, yet also pulses with more intricate and complex conflicts.

Abramm confronts deadly creatures, a brother bent on assassination, and religious and political intrigues. Yet, as the title implies, his greatest fight involves inner doubts, confusion, and temptation-another battleground every reader will recognize.

The story is presented in a rich setting of vivid description and a creative, other-world culture. Against this backdrop, Hancock introduces an enchanting new character-Madeleine-a worthy annoyance and ally for Abramm. Well loved characters return, and I especially enjoyed Carissa's journey toward truth. All these treats combine with an eminently satisfying ending to make this story an experience I've carried with me long after turning the final page.

Rating:
Summary: Mrs. Hancock does it again!
Review: This book is a breath of fresh, fantastical air. I echo the sentiments of the previous reviewers.

Karen Hancock has a way of dropping new fantasy elements, such as new lands, creatures, and powers (good and bad) into the story, yet they flow seemlessly, and are integrated into the mythos effortlessly. They add deeper and deeper richness and history to her world, resulting in an epic feel.

Despite having many characters, Mrs. Hancock somehow breathes a unique personality and life into each one within a short amount of time. From the boy Jared, to the intrusive, but endearing, Lady Madeleine -- all come alive from the pages. The evil creatures and characters do the same from the dark end of the spectrum. I fear that a certain warlock from the north will pose a serious threat in book three.

In summation, The Light of Eidon and now The Shadow Within are two of the best Christian allegorical fantasies on the market. Don't miss out. Get them now!

D.S.Burton