I finally gave in. I was trying to avoid any new “doorstop epic fantasy” (Publisher’s Weekly) until my dissertation was complete, but the endorsement of B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog eventually won me over: “Love The Wheel of Time? This is about to become your new favorite series.”

James Islington was motivated to begin writing after reading Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series (The Final Empire, The Well of Ascension, The Hero of Ages), and Sanderson’s influence is evident throughout, especially in Islington’s complex magic system. Like Sanderson (especially Elantris), the features of the magic system itself provide a good part of the book’s mystery.

It is noticeable that The Shadow of What Was Lost is Islington’s first novel. The plot pacing outstrips the character development and some of the dialogue feels contrived. This is especially noticeable in the philosophical dialogue which reminded me of Bible College discussions of predestination v. free will, foreknowledge v. control.

That said, the book is immediately engaging—700 pages will rush by before you know it. Fortunately volumes two and three are lengthier!

Islington, James. The Shadow of What Was Lost. Orbit, 2017. The Licanius Trilogy 1.