Book Review: ShadowBane

Reviewed by Kathy L. Brown

An epic, high-stakes fantasy, ShadowBane delivers nuanced characters and gripping action.

In a feudal-Japan-like setting, ShadowBane, the first book of the Schism of Souls series, introduces demon-slaying twins Shura and Jin. Demons are a rampant menace, especially in the poor rural regions. And the squabbling kings of the land are more interested in gaining power and territory through politics and alliances than protecting their people. 

Jin and Shura carry the disgrace of their divine father’s poor decisions as well as their special demon-fighting abilities. They are the last of the Shikoken. The twins have witnessed firsthand how close the kingdoms are to being totally overrun by the demon overlord Sutoku Tenno and his army of human cultists and demons. 

But Shura and Jin can’t fight without army support, even with a trusty white tiger companion, Feng, and a foreigner from a distant, Britain-like place. Wallace is a soft-hearted teen, but an excellent archer. They must travel the countryside to hold the line against the demons while at the same time wheeling and dealing to gain much needed armed support. Massaging the egos of kings is never easy.

If that’s not problem enough, the twins are growing apart. Childhood trauma has linked them together as closely as the womb they once shared, but increasing conflicts fray their alliance. Early in the story, Jin’s life philosophy is simple, “The only reliable things in this world were the bonds of blood and good, hard steel.” What will become of someone like him if the bonds of blood are called into question? Yet Jin and Shura increasingly undermine and hurt each other as they disagree on everything from the best tactic to defeat the demon menace to whom, if anyone, their sibling should be dating.

Character development is top-notch in ShadowBane. All the story people are convincing and authentic both in their overt goals and their inner needs. The decisions and actions of Shura and Jin grow organically out of their backstory trauma and make total sense given what they each imagine their victory over the demons will provide them. 

Jin wants a quiet life with his lady love, free from the burden of supporting his sister’s goal: redeeming the family name from their father’s disgrace. He fights demons almost compulsively—it has become his self-image. But he finds a different version of himself in the eyes of his lover, Aiko, and he likes that version. He wants safety for the two of them, so that he can get to know himself better.

Shura wants to belong somewhere with someone special. And to be restored to her proper place in society. She sees a chance to fulfill all these needs with King Oda Ujikatsu. But is that deep need affecting her practical judgment regarding the fight against the demons? Jin thinks so, and his concerns become an ever-growing source of tension between the twins. 

Stakes are high, and the constant conflict yields real tension in the reader as they get to know the characters. We root for their successes, which are few and far between. 

The story is a complicated one. Much has transpired in the past to inform the current situation: according to ancient prophecy, in just one more year the demons will complete their victory. The narrative skillfully interweaves the forward momentum with just enough glimpses of backstory to make the situation’s stakes clear. 

The book moves back and forth between Shura and Jin’s perspectives. Thus, the reader is privy to the strong emotions they mask from each other. Resentments come out as increasingly cruel jibs and barbs. The story question becomes how will Jin and Shura, after growing so far apart, fight effectively as a team when they need to?

The worldbuilding is stellar—the story accounts for every small detail of the culture and environment to create an immersive and convincing experience. 

ShadowBane is an action-adventure fantasy about fighting demons as well as military operations in a time and as part of a culture very different from our own. For the more squeamish reader, be aware that graphic depictions of violence and death of people and animals are part of that story and the narrative includes some grisly torture. 

The story is a big one with many characters and locations. There are a wide variety of interesting species, too, each with its own skills and quirks. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy fiction, especially in a non-European-centric setting, will enjoy this first book in a promising series.

Thank you for reading Kathy L. Brown’s book review of ShadowBane by Cal Logan! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

The post Book Review: ShadowBane appeared first on Independent Book Review.