The Licanius Trilogy Book 1: The Shadow of What Was Lost by James Islington - A Fantasy Epic You Won't Want to Miss

The Shadow of What Was Lost: A Review of the First Book in the Licanius Trilogy by James Islington

If you are a fan of epic fantasy, you might have heard of The Licanius Trilogy, a series by James Islington that has been hailed as the next Wheel of Time. The first book in the trilogy, The Shadow of What Was Lost, was published in 2014 and has received rave reviews from critics and readers alike. But what is this book about, and is it worth your time? In this article, I will give you an overview of the plot, the themes, the strengths and the weaknesses of The Shadow of What Was Lost, and tell you how you can read it in epub format.

James Islington - [Licanus 01] - The Shadow of What Was Lost (epub

What is the Licanius Trilogy?

The Licanius Trilogy is a fantasy series set in a world where magic is strictly regulated by a rebel government that overthrew the god-like Augurs twenty years ago. The Augurs were powerful mages who could see the future and manipulate reality, but they also oppressed and enslaved the people. After their fall, their former servants, the Gifted, were forced to accept the Four Tenets, a set of rules that limit their abilities and make them swear loyalty to the new regime. However, not everyone is happy with this arrangement, and some factions seek to restore the Augurs or overthrow the government.

The trilogy follows the lives of several characters who are caught up in a web of secrets, prophecies, and conspiracies that will change the fate of the world. Some of them are Gifted, some are not, but all of them have a role to play in the ancient war that is about to resume.

The Plot of The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Main Characters

The story begins with Davian, a young Gifted who struggles to control his magic at a school for his kind. He discovers that he has the forbidden power of the Augurs, which makes him a target for both enemies and allies. He also learns that he has a connection to a mysterious man who wakes up in the forest with no memory of who he is or what he has done.

Davian's friends, Wirr and Asha, also have their own secrets and challenges. Wirr is the son of a high-ranking officer in the government, but he sympathizes with the Gifted and wants to change the system from within. Asha is a talented singer who can use her voice to influence people's emotions, but she also has a dark past that haunts her.

Together, they embark on a journey to find answers and fulfill their destinies, while facing dangers from both humans and supernatural beings.

The Magic System

The magic system in The Shadow of What Was Lost is based on the concept of Essence, a force that flows through everything and can be manipulated by the Gifted. The Gifted can use Essence to perform various feats, such as healing, telekinesis, illusion, and more. However, they are bound by the Four Tenets, which are:

• They must wear a bracelet that limits their power and can be tracked by the government.

• They must not lie or break an oath.

• They must not harm another living being with their power.

• They must serve the Administration and follow its orders.

If they break any of these rules, they will lose their power permanently. The only exception is the Augurs, who can use Essence without any limitations or consequences. They can also see and alter the future, making them virtually unstoppable. However, the Augurs are believed to be extinct, and anyone who shows signs of their power is hunted down and killed.

The Worldbuilding

The world of The Shadow of What Was Lost is rich and detailed, with a history that spans thousands of years and a geography that includes different continents and cultures. The main setting is the continent of Andarra, where the rebel government, known as the Administration, rules over the lands that were once under the Augurs' domain. The Administration is opposed by several groups, such as the Boundary, a mysterious force that protects the northern border from an ancient evil; the Keepers, a secret society that preserves the Augurs' legacy; and the Venerate, a group of powerful mages who serve the last surviving Augur.

The author also introduces other elements of fantasy, such as mythical creatures, ancient artifacts, and hidden realms. He creates a vivid and immersive world that invites the reader to explore and discover its secrets.

The Themes of The Shadow of What Was Lost

Destiny and Choice

One of the main themes of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the conflict between destiny and choice. The characters are often faced with situations where they have to decide whether to follow their predetermined fate or to forge their own path. This is especially true for Davian, who has to deal with the burden of being an Augur and the expectations that come with it. He has to choose between accepting his power and using it for good or evil, or rejecting it and living a normal life.

The theme also applies to the other characters, who have to cope with the consequences of their actions and the actions of others. They have to question whether they are free to make their own decisions or whether they are influenced by external forces, such as prophecies, oaths, or manipulation. They have to wonder whether their choices matter or whether everything is already determined by a higher power.

Memory and Identity

Another theme of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the relationship between memory and identity. The characters are often defined by their memories, which shape their personalities, motivations, and goals. However, some of them also lose their memories, either by accident or by design, which affects their sense of self and their role in the world.

This is especially true for Caeden, the amnesiac man who is linked to Davian. He gradually recovers his memories throughout the book, but he also realizes that he is not who he thought he was. He has to confront his past deeds and his present identity, and decide whether he can change or whether he is doomed to repeat his mistakes.

War and Peace

A third theme of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the contrast between war and peace. The book depicts a world that is recovering from a devastating war that ended two decades ago, but is also on the brink of another one that could be even worse. The characters have to deal with the aftermath of the previous war, such as trauma, loss, resentment, and injustice. They also have to face the threat of the new war, which involves enemies both old and new.

The book explores the causes and effects of war, as well as the possibility and cost of peace. It shows how war can bring out both the best and the worst in people, how it can unite or divide them, how it can inspire or destroy them. It also shows how peace can be achieved or maintained, as well as how it can be threatened or broken.

The Strengths of The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Storytelling

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Another strength of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the pacing. The book is fast-paced and engaging, with a balance of action, dialogue, and description. The author keeps the reader hooked with cliffhangers, revelations, and twists that make the plot unpredictable and exciting. The book also switches between different points of view and locations, giving a broader perspective of the events and the characters. The book never feels boring or dragged out, but rather keeps the reader invested and curious.

The Twists

A third strength of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the twists. The book is full of surprises and shocks that challenge the reader's expectations and assumptions. The author reveals secrets and mysteries that change the course of the story and the fate of the characters. Some of the twists are foreshadowed and hinted at, while others are completely unexpected and mind-blowing. The twists add depth and complexity to the plot and the characters, and make the book more enjoyable and memorable.

The Weaknesses of The Shadow of What Was Lost

The Complexity

One of the weaknesses of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the complexity. The book is very intricate and detailed, with a lot of information and concepts to keep track of. The author introduces many names, places, terms, and rules that can be confusing and overwhelming for some readers. The book also has a lot of flashbacks, visions, and prophecies that can be hard to follow and connect to the present. The book requires a lot of attention and concentration from the reader, which can be exhausting and frustrating at times.

The Similarity to Other Fantasy Series

Another weakness of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the similarity to other fantasy series. The book has many elements and tropes that are common in the genre, such as a chosen one, a magic school, a dark lord, a prophecy, a quest, etc. The book also draws inspiration from other popular fantasy series, such as The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings, Mistborn, etc. Some readers might find these similarities appealing and familiar, while others might find them derivative and unoriginal. The book might lack some originality and innovation in its genre.

The Lack of Diversity

A third weakness of The Shadow of What Was Lost is the lack of diversity. The book has a predominantly male and white cast of characters, with few exceptions. The book also does not explore much of the culture and diversity of the different regions and peoples in the world. The book mostly focuses on the main characters and their plotlines, without giving much attention to the background and context of their world. The book might miss some opportunities to create a more diverse and inclusive fantasy world.

How to Read The Shadow of What Was Lost (epub)

If you are interested in reading The Shadow of What Was Lost, you might want to know how you can read it in epub format. Epub is a file format that is compatible with most e-readers and devices, such as Kindle, Nook, Kobo, iPad, etc. Epub files are easy to download, store, and transfer.

There are several ways to read The Shadow of What Was Lost in epub format. One way is to buy it from an online store that sells ebooks in epub format, such as Google Play Books or Kobo. Another way is to borrow it from an online library that offers ebooks in epub format, such as OverDrive or Libby. A third way is to download it from an online source that provides free ebooks in epub format, such as OceanofPDF or Project Gutenberg.

However you choose to read The Shadow of What Was Lost in epub format, you will need an app or software that can open epub files on your device. Some examples are Calibre or Adobe Digital Editions for computers; Moon+ Reader or Aldiko for Android devices; iBooks or Marvin for iOS devices; etc.

Once you have an app or software that can open epub files on your device, you can simply download or transfer The Shadow of What Was Lost in epub format to your device, and then open it with your app or software. You can then enjoy reading the book at your own pace and convenience.

Conclusion

The Shadow of What Was Lost is a captivating and thrilling fantasy book that will appeal to fans of the genre. It has a complex and intriguing plot, a rich and detailed world, and a diverse and dynamic cast of characters. It also has a compelling and balanced mix of action, dialogue, and description, as well as surprising and shocking twists that keep the reader engaged and entertained. It also has some flaws, such as its complexity, similarity to other fantasy series, and lack of diversity, but they do not overshadow its strengths.

If you are looking for a new fantasy series to read, you might want to give The Shadow of What Was Lost a try. You can read it in epub format on your device, which is convenient and easy. You might find yourself immersed in the world of the Licanius Trilogy, and eager to read the next books in the series.

FAQs

• Q: How many books are in the Licanius Trilogy?

• A: There are three books in the Licanius Trilogy: The Shadow of What Was Lost, An Echo of Things to Come, and The Light of All That Falls.

• Q: Who is the author of the Licanius Trilogy?

• A: The author of the Licanius Trilogy is James Islington, a debut fantasy author from Australia.

• Q: What is the genre of the Licanius Trilogy?

• A: The genre of the Licanius Trilogy is epic fantasy, which is a subgenre of fantasy that features large-scale and complex stories, settings, and characters.

• Q: What is the target audience of the Licanius Trilogy?

• A: The target audience of the Licanius Trilogy is adult readers who enjoy fantasy, especially fans of The Wheel of Time, The Lord of the Rings, Mistborn, etc.

• Q: What are some similar books to the Licanius Trilogy?

• A: Some similar books to the Licanius Trilogy are The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, The Magicians by Lev Grossman, etc.

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