Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
Shadow of What Was Lost
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
"Love The Wheel of Time? This is about to become your new favorite series." - B&N SF & Fantasy Blog"Storytelling assurance rare for a debut . . . Fans of Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson will find much to admire." - Guardian "Islington has built a world with all the right genre elements: complex magic, terrifying threats out of legend, political intrigue, and a large cast of characters whose motivations are seldom clear. Fans of doorstop epic fantasy will not be disappointed." - Publishers Weekly"Ingeniously plotted...Islington's natural storytelling ability provides incessant plot twists and maintains a relentless pace...A promising page-turner from a poised newcomer." - Kirkus"Wonderful worldbuilding and terrific characters." - Boing Boing"Will appeal to anybody looking for a coming-of-age fantasy tale with likeable characters and strong world building." - Fantasy FactionAs destiny calls, a journey begins.It has been twenty years since the god-like Augurs were overthrown and killed. Now, those who once served them - the Gifted - are spared only because they have accepted the rebellion's Four Tenets, vastly limiting their powers. As a Gifted, Davian suffers the consequences of a war lost before he was even born. He and others like him are despised. But when Davian discovers he wields the forbidden power of the Augurs, he sets into motion a chain of events that will change everything. To the west, a young man whose fate is intertwined with Davian's wakes up in the forest, covered in blood and with no memory of who he is... And in the far north, an ancient enemy long thought defeated begins to stir. The Licanius TrilogyThe Shadow of What Was LostAn Echo of Things to Come
Amazon Indiebound Barnes and Noble WorldCat Goodreads LibraryThing
Pick icon
100%
review
deirdrebeecher
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
Bailedbailed

The Will of the Many was one of my favourite reads this year. So I decided to try Islington's first trilogy. And while I can see flashes of the writer he is going to become, his execution of this debut work isn't at the same standard. I'm not mad at it, it is just a bit harder work than I'm in the mood for at the moment.

7 likes1 comment
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

If only I could get paid to sit at home and mood read 😊

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

RobES Yes!!!! 4mo
LiteraryinPA That would be the dream! 4mo
47 likes2 comments
blurb
JuliaTheBookNerd
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Starting this trilogy. I‘ve heard great things, hopefully it lives up to the hype 🤞🏻😊

#BookNerd 🤓📚💙

48 likes1 stack add
blurb
majkia
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

#CasttheDie

@PuddleJumper

This was okay. Just never fully engaged with the story and had to keep re-reading. So, not planning to continue the series.

blurb
Twainy
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Book Mail! My first book from The Licanius Trilogy by James Islington. Signed by the author & Numbered. Bookmark included.

The edges are sprayed a pretty melon orange. The hardcover matches the edges and has silver foil design on the front cover and spine plus a quote on the back.

Came wrapped well enough to sustain whatever postal disaster occurred to make it look like a fork lift rolled over it.

Special Edition from The Broken Binding.

review
TugstenDragon
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

Pretty good book. Felt some similarities to the Fifth Season from Guardians/Administrators, Gifted/Orogenes also felt some Wheel of time influence. Engaged throughout the book but not itching to read any sequel unless I hear really good things.

blurb
Bookish_Viking
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

A Year In Books - My Reads of 2021 - Day 9

::Books of September 2021::
•Favorite Book of September '21: The Shadow of What Was Lost
°A Curse So Dark And Lonely
°Ravage The Dark

Welcome to the Epilogue of 2021! The last week of the year, between Christmas and New Years, I refer to as the year's Epilogue. It's still the year it's been, but it always feels... different.

review
The_Heeler_Booklife
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
I really enjoyed the world building, the time traveling, the characters, and the magic. This was such a great read.
#bookstagram #bibliophile #litsy #littens #bookreview #review #fantasy #kindle #kindleoasis

22 likes2 stack adds
review
Lucy_Anywhere
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

This was an enjoyable classic coming-of-age fantasy with young heroes on an epic quest, dark lords rising, and magical powers that could be used for good or evil. I didn‘t think it was the most original story - there were clear influences of LoTR and WoT - but the twists and turns kept me interested for 600+ pages #bookspinbingo @TheAromaofBooks

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
15 likes1 comment
blurb
Lucy_Anywhere
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

#TBRPile 📚 I‘m saving this fantasy chunkster for a rainy day

MsMelissa I have the trilogy sitting on a shelf waiting to be read, too ☺️ 4y
14 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Nelnjali
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

4.5🌟 This book has most everything that I look for in a fantasy book. A motley arrangement of characters to love, action and intrigued, unique abilities, and plenty of twists and turns to keep a reader guessing. On top of these, this book is also immersive and quick and easy to read. I can definitely tell that Islington's love of Brandon Sanderson's Mistborn definitely influenced his writing in some of the best ways.

TheSpineView I have had this book for a long time. I need to read it!😊 4y
13 likes1 comment
blurb
Nelnjali
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Does anyone else think that a cool, light rain is a sign from the universe that it is okay to procrastinate on your chores and relax with a good book? I'm a little over halfway through with this chunkster. Hoping to finish it this weekend, so I'm going to start my Friday night a little early.

14 likes1 stack add
blurb
ReadingVampire
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Deal alert! I really liked this high fantasy, and I enjoyed how in-depth the world-building was and how cool the magic system was! So even though this is a chunkster, I wanted to let you all know it‘s on sale today on audible if anyone is interested! 🤩

blurb
hwestfall
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Michael Kramer is one of my favorite narrators. I am excited to get started on this new audiobook.

blurb
InLibrisVeritas
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

New books! A local-ish indie has been struggling during the shut down, so I put in an order. I couldn't get too many because of my budget and sticker prices being what they are, but hopefully it helps.

For those in #BBBBC this isn't an indication of Shadow winning in the polls. It's an indication that as soon as I read the summary while making the poll I knew I needed it 😅

BookwormAHN I have a similar feeling that even if it doesn't win that I'll be reading it at some point. 5y
wordslinger42 I'll be reading it soon also, whether it wins or not! 😊 (but I hope it does!) 5y
RainyDayReading I've had both of these on my shelves for a while. I really need to get to them. 5y
38 likes3 comments
review
InBooksILive
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow. This book was incredible! The world, the characters.. I never guessed at anything. Every twist had me so shocked, I was literally picking my jaw up off the floor. Especially Caeden's story.. wow. I can't even put into words how great this book is. I need the next 2 books asap!

@TheAromaofBooks #doublespin #aprilbookspin

TheAromaofBooks Wow, that is quite the rousing endorsement!! Great review! 5y
62 likes3 stack adds1 comment
blurb
InBooksILive
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Now on to this chunky fellow for the #DoubleSpin pick 😊 been looking forward to reading this one for awhile now.

review
Ddzmini
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Mehso-so

Kind of a slow read but idk if it‘s because I‘m reading so much for the course I‘m taking or the book 💁🏼‍♀️

quote
Ddzmini
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Along with my millions of course books I‘m reading this 📖🙌🏽 just kidding half a million course books 📚 🤪🤣🤣🤣

82 likes1 stack add
review
mutlee
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
Pickpick

This was quite enjoyable! I definitely struggled with some parts in the middle, but the ending more than made up for it. Love all the questionable morality, classic fantasy elements, and character arcs.

blurb
RainyDayReading
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Wasn‘t tagged but felt like doing it anyway. Still trying to figure out this whole collage thing.
#2 The Shadow of What Was Lost, Unfinished Tales and The Woman in Black were the first that came to mind.
#3 Thankfully(?) no one comes over and sees the books I have and asks to borrow them and no one I talk to reads. So I don‘t have to worry about it really.
#wondrouswednesdays @Eggs

julesG Great memes! 5y
Eggs Thanks for joining in 💗👏🏻💗 Love the skeleton TP butler! 5y
25 likes2 comments
blurb
LazyOwl
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

1. Nearly finished tagged book. Also reading Days of Blood and Starlight. Also several comics I'm about to start.

2. The Belgariad, The Deathgate Cycle, Harry Potter, The Redemption of Althalus, The Tide Lords, Name of the Wind. So many, I love re-reading books.

3. It's already 1 March here in Australia, but I didn't get up to much besides medical appointment and some self care time.

#weekendreads @rachelsbrittain

rachelsbrittain Love Laini Taylor! And hope all the appointments went well. 5y
RamsFan1963 I probably would reread The Redemption of Althalus, it's one of my all time favorite books 5y
LazyOwl Thanks @rachelsbrittain the appointment did go well. 5y
LazyOwl @RamsFan1963 such a good book. Not as recognised as the Belgariad series but I love Redemption of Althalus 5y
RamsFan1963 @LazyOwl I'm embarrassed to admit I've never read the Belgariad series. I should I know, it get lots of Litsy love. 5y
30 likes5 comments
blurb
Aussie_SFF
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington

This was so good. 4/5 stars and I can't wait to get my next audible credit to listen to the next one.

Nute Welcome to Litsy! It‘s a warm and friendly community. I know that you will enjoy yourself here. I‘m looking forward to getting to know you!🙂 5y
2 likes1 comment
blurb
LazyOwl
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

I've been #audiopuzzling re-listening to the tagged book in preparation for listening to the third book that's out now.
Michael Kramer does an excellent job of narrating this.
#audiobook #audible #fantasy #magic

wanderinglynn Fun puzzle! ❤️👍🏻🧩 5y
JackOBotts Love that puzzle! 🧩🧩 5y
32 likes1 stack add2 comments
blurb
Follow.my.read
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

InBooksILive I just grabbed the 1st book, The Shadow of What Was Lost, the other day. It sounds so good! 5y
Follow.my.read I thought so too! Cannot wait to start the series! Just have to finish up, The Stormlight Archive first😂 5y
GrilledCheeseSamurai Books 1 & 2 were great! Im waiting for the 3rd to release in TPB but am really excited to read it. 👍 5y
See All 6 Comments
Aussie_SFF Ha! I started this for Tome Topple. Loving it! 5y
Follow.my.read @Aussie_SFF I‘m finishing the Stormlight Archive then I may do this next!!! SO MANY BOOKS!!!! There aren‘t hours in the day LOL 5y
LazyOwl These are great, I'm doing a reread on audible at the moment. I haven't read the third book yet. 5y
75 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
hybridhavoc
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Re-reading this one, working my way through the series since I finally got around to picking up the third in the series. One of my favorite fantasy series of recent history, I think in large part because I see a lot of Wheel of Time parallels in it. #TheLicaniusTrilogy

review
KimM
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Bailedbailed

Tried to get into this one twice. Finally bailed at 50%. It‘s a slow burn with a lot of characters so I tried to give it a chance but it never called me back.

blurb
TheLibrarian
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

I bought the tagged book for my husband because it‘s been compared to The Wheel of Time series which he loves.

Of course I had to buy a book for myself too (The Den).

#bookhaul

ReadingVampire I loved Shadow of What was lost! It was fantastic, I‘ve never read wheel of time so I can‘t compare the two. I would just take this one as a interesting, intriguing high fantasy... 🤔👏🏻👌🏻❤️🤩 5y
TheLibrarian @Puredragonstar He likes high fantasy so hopefully he enjoys it. Plus there is a map at the beginning which is always a good sign for him 😂 It brings me joy when he gets into a book (which is rare). 5y
77 likes2 comments
blurb
GrilledCheeseSamurai
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

I love, love, love, big'ol floppy paperback books! ❤️

They're just so satisfying to hold and flop about. The way they just sit open on the right page no matter how you hold it or have it sitting on your lap. ?

I am definitely on board with floppy paperbacks! ?

I'm gonna say 'floppy paperback' one more time just cuz it's fun!

"Floppy paperback floppy paperback floppy paperback!" ?

?‍♂️

jessinikkip Part of why I like used books. First they sometimes have really cool notes from the first person to own them. Second, they have adequate flop lol 6y
89 likes3 comments
blurb
GrilledCheeseSamurai
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Sandwich, salad, book, coffee, between split shifts today. It's our first 'real' cold day of winter today & I'd much rather be at home under a blanket. 🤷‍♂️

Oh well. At least the book is good! 👍

blurb
GrilledCheeseSamurai
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

This was pretty much my morning/afternoon. Not a bad way to pass the time if ya ask me. 👌

#JoinIn

Riveted_Reader_Melissa Looks very relaxing to me...perfect! 6y
Tamra Totally great! 6y
LauraJ Been doing the same, except my snow is via TV. It‘s 67 degrees in Los Angeles. 6y
See All 6 Comments
Joanne1 Wow, look at that snow. We sweltered in 37c degree heat. Looks like a very peaceful way to spend some time. 6y
Bookwormjillk I‘m jealous of your snow! 6y
Redwritinghood Looks perfect! (edited) 6y
113 likes1 stack add6 comments
blurb
GrilledCheeseSamurai
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

I've had it for awhile. I guess it's time. It's funny how books seem to decide when they are finally ready to be read. 😊

I'm only a little ways in...but so far it's feeling pretty good to slip into a more traditional fantasy novel. I guess it's what I needed. 👌

RainyDayReading I‘ve got this one on the top of my TBR for next year! 6y
89 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
ReadingVampire
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

A high fantasy filled w/ political intrigue, great cast of characters & cool magic system. It is a slow burn, most of this book was setting everything up for future books & battles. If you don‘t like high fantasy like: wizards first rule, name of the wind, or others of this type then this book is definitely not for you. Continuing 👇🏻

ReadingVampire If you like action packed then this also isn‘t for you because this is the set up novel & it‘s just too large of a book to waste your time if this isn't really your style. This really did check all my boxes though and was a great adventure and I do highly recommend it. (edited) 6y
TracyReadsBooks I‘ve picked this up in the bookstore and then put it back down but it sure sounds as if I should take another look! 6y
ReadingVampire @TracyReadsBooks I thought it was great, I'm just so hesitant to recommend because its so large and its very detail oriented. This author set up such a great mystery and everything is tied in so well it's hard for me not to enjoy it despite the size and I really felt super immersed in this world! So if your not intimidated by size then I definitely recommend this! (edited) 6y
TracyReadsBooks Not at all intimidated by size! Definitely sounds like one I would enjoy! 6y
Booksblanketsandahotbeverage Like Name of the Wind? Stacked 😁 I like that the third one has a release date 😉 (edited) 6y
80 likes4 stack adds5 comments
blurb
ReadingVampire
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Midnight reading this big bad boy, half way done and I'm still hooked! Got my XL, Weasley is King - book beau sleeve in the mail today and my giant book fits in it perfectly! #Weasleyismyking #midnightreads

InLibrisVeritas 😍😍 6y
74 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
ReadingVampire
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

This is turning out to be such a page turner! My hellofresh box for tonight! Books and good food! Yum! Enjoy your Saturdays Litens!

Avanders Your food looks 🤤 6y
75 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Weisubei
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
Pickpick

This book is a combination of magic, time travel and prince arthur movie. It was very slow at first, but once i got over the boring stuff, the plot was really amazing, and the epilogue!! Wow, blows my mind!

4 likes1 stack add
blurb
Maedre-the-broken-tree
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

So far I‘m enjoying this book, we‘ll see where it goes! #jamesislington #theshadowofwhatwaslost #fantasy #epicfantasy #dog #doggo #rescue #archie

7 likes1 stack add
review
aa_guer2021
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

Found this series on Audible because it was recommended to the fans of Robert Jordan. Very glad that I gave it a shot. In addition to being incredibly creative and original, it's expansive and moody. Intriguing and full of adventure. The world is detailed and the characters are well developed. High fantasy at its finest. #Audible #fantasy #highfantasy #recommendsday ❤️😱

blurb
QueenOfWands
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

#24in48 update. I've done 16 hours and 30 minutes. Long way to go but not giving up. Been working on these two books. The Shadow of What Was Lost has been a pretty quick read so far for an #epicfantasy I think I disagree with the comparison to Robert Jordan but I'll wait until I'm done for the final verdict.

Vinjii And did you end up liking it? 7y
QueenOfWands @Vinjii Yes! I liked it a lot. Quick read for an epic fantasy for me. A lot of story similarities to authors like Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson, but with his own style and some new ideas. 7y
Vinjii @QueenOfWands 😍 Glad to hear! 7y
13 likes1 stack add3 comments
review
DaisytheFairy
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

This was so good! So much happened and the plot was really clever. I loved all of the characters. #fantasy #magic

6 likes1 stack add
blurb
DaisytheFairy
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Just started this today! It got interesting right away.

review
Vinjii
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

This is the most fun I've had with a fantasy book for a long time. It's a debut and a bit rough around the edges but the plot more than makes up for it. A great female character, time travel, amazing friendships and two magic systems plus an ancient evil. Amazing! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GrilledCheeseSamurai I really need to start these books! 7y
Vinjii @GrilledCheeseSamurai They‘re so much fun! They‘re not groundbreaking in fantasy but I flew through both! 7y
41 likes2 stack adds2 comments
blurb
Unphilosophize
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

I was trying to shoot my book haul for the month of July but I can't even take my picture in my usual place because there are TOO MANY BOOK #bookhaul

review
Chocomeiske
Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Pickpick

I loved this. It has all I love in epic fantasy with a classical feel yet without all the ponderous and over descriptive pages that plague similar fantasy novels. That twist at the end got me. I had someone else in mind but it makes more sense now. I can't wait to dive into the next book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

blurb
teebe
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image

Not originally the photo I wanted for this prompt, but I came across this today at Chapters among a group of books recommended for anyone who likes Games of Thrones. I've never heard of it. Anyone read it? Recommend it? Hate it? Want to read it? #shadows #feistyfeb

Unphilosophize My dad just finished it and passed it on to me to read. He said that it was more wheel of time-y than GoT-y (he didn't really like GoT very much and it's not my fav so I took that as a good thing) but he read it in about a week and a half and said he liked it a lot so I'm guessing it's pretty great. 7y
21 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
Nutmegnc
The Shadow of What Was Lost | James Islington
post image
Mehso-so

The story is somewhat interesting but the characters seem mostly flat. It also seems to have extraneous descriptions that I couldn't tell lent anything to the story. It seems like this has the potential to be great but needed a few more months of editing. Frankly, I was glad it ended and I'm not sure I would continue...