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Nightrunner #4
Shadows Return
With their most treacherous mission yet behind them, heroes Seregil and Alec resume their double life as dissolute nobles and master spies. But in a world of rivals and charmers, fate has a different plan.…
After their victory in Aurënen, Alec and Seregil have returned home to Rhíminee. But with most of their allies dead or exiled, it is difficult for them to settle in. Hoping for diversion, they accept an assignment that will take them back to Seregil’s homeland. En route, however, they are ambushed and separated, and both are sold into slavery. Clinging to life, Seregil is sustained only by the hope that Alec is alive.
But it is not Alec’s life his strange master wants—it is his blood. For his unique lineage is capable of producing a rare treasure, but only through a harrowing process that will test him body and soul and unwittingly entangle him and Seregil in the realm of alchemists and madmen—and an enigmatic creature that may hold their very destiny in its inhuman hands…. But will it prove to be savior or monster?
After their victory in Aurënen, Alec and Seregil have returned home to Rhíminee. But with most of their allies dead or exiled, it is difficult for them to settle in. Hoping for diversion, they accept an assignment that will take them back to Seregil’s homeland. En route, however, they are ambushed and separated, and both are sold into slavery. Clinging to life, Seregil is sustained only by the hope that Alec is alive.
But it is not Alec’s life his strange master wants—it is his blood. For his unique lineage is capable of producing a rare treasure, but only through a harrowing process that will test him body and soul and unwittingly entangle him and Seregil in the realm of alchemists and madmen—and an enigmatic creature that may hold their very destiny in its inhuman hands…. But will it prove to be savior or monster?
522 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 450 reviews
June 8, 2015
It really bothered me to give Shadows Return only three stars. I was really looking forward to spending more time with Alec and Seregil in this fourth installment in the Nightrunner series.
Overall, this novel was disappointing. It lacked the complexity, political intrigue and adventure of Flewelling’s earlier works, and the magic felt overdone and contrived. Still, I am intrigued by the childlike rhekaro and will be looking forward to the next book to see how it changes Alec’s and Seregil’s relationship.
Overall, this novel was disappointing. It lacked the complexity, political intrigue and adventure of Flewelling’s earlier works, and the magic felt overdone and contrived. Still, I am intrigued by the childlike rhekaro and will be looking forward to the next book to see how it changes Alec’s and Seregil’s relationship.
May 23, 2018
Okay, this book was GREAT. Especially considering the fact that this gets a whole lot darker and more creepy in paces too. Once again, we're following Alec and Seregil as they are commissioned by the Queen to go and bring back her sister, Klia. Unfortunately, on their journey the two of them are captured and taken in as slaves, and the rest of the story focuses on their attempts to learn who captured them, trying to find one another, and of course, trying to escape...
What I liked about this book is that it certainly felt like a turn in the series from a story about love, romance, politics and trickery into a really high-stakes game. We see the shift of the power when Alec and Seregil are captured, and we get to learn about magics we've not yet even heard of, let alone seen.
One of the other great points is that this book really hones in on some of the most interesting elements from previous books, such as the backstory to Seregil's banishment, and also the true nature of slavery in this world. We haven't seen or heard too much about it up to this point, but this book really shows us the crueller parts of the world and the evil masters who haunt the slaver's ports.
I have to admit that Alec and Seregil made this book great because their un-yielding love for one another and desire to escape and find the other just captured my heart again. They honestly have to be one of my all-time favourite couples in fantasy!
I really enjoyed the pacing, story and set up of plot and characters here, once again, so a solid 4.5*s from me for this and I will of course be starting the next book very soon :D
What I liked about this book is that it certainly felt like a turn in the series from a story about love, romance, politics and trickery into a really high-stakes game. We see the shift of the power when Alec and Seregil are captured, and we get to learn about magics we've not yet even heard of, let alone seen.
One of the other great points is that this book really hones in on some of the most interesting elements from previous books, such as the backstory to Seregil's banishment, and also the true nature of slavery in this world. We haven't seen or heard too much about it up to this point, but this book really shows us the crueller parts of the world and the evil masters who haunt the slaver's ports.
I have to admit that Alec and Seregil made this book great because their un-yielding love for one another and desire to escape and find the other just captured my heart again. They honestly have to be one of my all-time favourite couples in fantasy!
I really enjoyed the pacing, story and set up of plot and characters here, once again, so a solid 4.5*s from me for this and I will of course be starting the next book very soon :D
May 3, 2024
Spectacular!!!!
What a incredible story, the atmosphere, so dark, the mystery, the discovering... the story was so intriguing, and completely unexpected, the characters again, the old and the new, so rich, so full of personality and individuality, the details in the narrative, so good, congratulations to Lynn Flewelling!!!
Almost ten years pasted between the third book and this one, I noticed some changes, some very good, others, not so much.
There were some minor details that I caught, and I'm very picky with continuity issues:
Now let's go for the good part because I absolutely love this series so far, it's one of my favorite!!!
I love the cover Michael Komarck did a amazing job, praise to him!!!
I also have this book on Audible, they change the narrator, Adam Danoff did a marvellous job, very good performance, beautiful voice, acting on point, it was a delight! Congrats!!!
What a incredible story, the atmosphere, so dark, the mystery, the discovering... the story was so intriguing, and completely unexpected, the characters again, the old and the new, so rich, so full of personality and individuality, the details in the narrative, so good, congratulations to Lynn Flewelling!!!
Almost ten years pasted between the third book and this one, I noticed some changes, some very good, others, not so much.
There were some minor details that I caught, and I'm very picky with continuity issues:
Now let's go for the good part because I absolutely love this series so far, it's one of my favorite!!!
I love the cover Michael Komarck did a amazing job, praise to him!!!
I also have this book on Audible, they change the narrator, Adam Danoff did a marvellous job, very good performance, beautiful voice, acting on point, it was a delight! Congrats!!!
September 10, 2008
Only the last hundred pages earned this one the third star. This book fell into the trap that many sequels to even good series (which the first Nightrunner books were) do, especially ones that take place after the main characters have fallen in love. For some reason the author doesn't feel the need to give either of the parties much of a personality characteristic, other than being in love with each other. Its like since they don't have to woo each other, or unwittingly fall in love, therefore they don't have to be enticing to each other.. which has the unfortunate downside that they are not interesting to me either. Instead, the book substituted with rehashing events from books past and melodramatic thoughts and dialogue that made the two protagonists entirely different characters from the ones I remember.
I just have a real problem with the idea that people suddenly cease to be themselves when they fall in love, and may have no other opinions or thoughts other than 'I love you.' That is not what happens after happily ever after. At least I hope it isn't, and if it is, stop trying to sell it to us, writers, moviemakers and song-singers of the world, because that should not be something that we should want.
However. I will admit that both main characters suddenly got interesting again in the last hundred pages of the book, when they suddenly became people again, with conflicting opinions and shades of grey in their thoughts. Only then do any interesting questions or ideas come up, or does the reader feel any interest in the outcome. Before that, the most interesting character was
I also felt the book suffered from pacing problems. The first three hundred pages were repetitive descriptions of our protagonists' life as slaves, thoughts of escaping.. and doing nothing about it, pretty much over and over, and just "playing the role to the hilt," until they get a real chance to escape. Also, she dropped anvils like she was Coyote looking for Road Runner, man. Unbelievable. Her writing tone was very uneven. She often used a more archaic tone with older word choice and descriptions, and then would drop into a more modern feel very abruptly. It threw me out of the story a bit.
There's clearly an open ending, and there's clearly another book coming. I'm hoping that that last hundred pages indicated that the quality of the first trilogy will be back in the next book. We'll see!
I just have a real problem with the idea that people suddenly cease to be themselves when they fall in love, and may have no other opinions or thoughts other than 'I love you.' That is not what happens after happily ever after. At least I hope it isn't, and if it is, stop trying to sell it to us, writers, moviemakers and song-singers of the world, because that should not be something that we should want.
However. I will admit that both main characters suddenly got interesting again in the last hundred pages of the book, when they suddenly became people again, with conflicting opinions and shades of grey in their thoughts. Only then do any interesting questions or ideas come up, or does the reader feel any interest in the outcome. Before that, the most interesting character was
I also felt the book suffered from pacing problems. The first three hundred pages were repetitive descriptions of our protagonists' life as slaves, thoughts of escaping.. and doing nothing about it, pretty much over and over, and just "playing the role to the hilt," until they get a real chance to escape. Also, she dropped anvils like she was Coyote looking for Road Runner, man. Unbelievable. Her writing tone was very uneven. She often used a more archaic tone with older word choice and descriptions, and then would drop into a more modern feel very abruptly. It threw me out of the story a bit.
There's clearly an open ending, and there's clearly another book coming. I'm hoping that that last hundred pages indicated that the quality of the first trilogy will be back in the next book. We'll see!
April 6, 2023
On Queen Phoria's orders Alec and Seregil head back to Aurënen to escort princess Klia back to Rhíminee. However, shortly after arriving on Seregil's homeland, they are ambushed. Leaving the rest of the group dead, Seregil and Alec are branded as slaves and sold to a Plenimaran Alchemist.
Separated before they arrive in Plenimar, Alec and Seregil are unaware if the other's alive. Alec is experimented on by the alchemist to an unknown end. While Seregil gets a blast from the past as he's gifted to the man who caused his exile from Aurënen all those years ago.
Although Seregil and Alec do spend a lot of time apart in this book, it just makes their reunion all that more meaningful. Their relationship is tested, though factors both external and internal. I love seeing them work through the problems and grow more because of it.
I really need to stop taking so much time between reading these books. But on the flipside, I really don't want to not have more Seregil and Alec in my life.
Separated before they arrive in Plenimar, Alec and Seregil are unaware if the other's alive. Alec is experimented on by the alchemist to an unknown end. While Seregil gets a blast from the past as he's gifted to the man who caused his exile from Aurënen all those years ago.
Although Seregil and Alec do spend a lot of time apart in this book, it just makes their reunion all that more meaningful. Their relationship is tested, though factors both external and internal. I love seeing them work through the problems and grow more because of it.
I really need to stop taking so much time between reading these books. But on the flipside, I really don't want to not have more Seregil and Alec in my life.
August 19, 2008
Here's the thing about fandom: if someone writes an MPREG slavefic, they label it as such, and you know what you are getting into going in. In profic, you sometimes aren't so lucky.
You pays your money, you takes your chances, I guess.
Here's hoping the next one will be better.
You pays your money, you takes your chances, I guess.
Here's hoping the next one will be better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2024
This one had me glued from the very beginning. Our heroes get themselves in a very difficut situation,
March 3, 2024
4.5 stars
I’ve been in need of some hand-holding—thanks, Linda and Rosa!—while I was reading this book. It’s a tough one, especially when it came to the part where
It ended up being one of my favorites in the series so far, though, so it was worth it. I love how Alec and Seregil don’t ever lose track of their relationship and what’s really important, even when they’re in disagreement or are faced with scenarios that would lead to drama for drama’s sake in the hands of many authors.
The storylines with
I also love that
Mention of honor for Micum and Thero
If there wasn’t another BR already planned next, I would’ve gone immediately for the next book…I don’t think there could be a better endorsement than that.
I’ve been in need of some hand-holding—thanks, Linda and Rosa!—while I was reading this book. It’s a tough one, especially when it came to the part where
It ended up being one of my favorites in the series so far, though, so it was worth it. I love how Alec and Seregil don’t ever lose track of their relationship and what’s really important, even when they’re in disagreement or are faced with scenarios that would lead to drama for drama’s sake in the hands of many authors.
The storylines with
I also love that
Mention of honor for Micum and Thero
If there wasn’t another BR already planned next, I would’ve gone immediately for the next book…I don’t think there could be a better endorsement than that.
March 20, 2009
An overly grim and somewhat myopic fourth installment to Flewelling's Nightrunner series, in which our intrepid duo are kidnapped, enslaved, poisoned, tortured, humiliated and molested . . . and that's just the first half.
Throughout the series Flewelling has solidified such a fine fantasy realm, with such likeable characters, that even sub-par installments such as this one are still sufficiently entertaining. That said, this book needed more air and a lighter touch.
The enslavement would have worked better as a plot point rather than consuming the entire book. Also, the reunion of Seregil and Alec was very underwhelming, given the abuse they had suffered and the amount of time they had spent apart, and their bickering over Ilar seemed trivial in comparison to that suffering. Flewelling's introduction of the rhekaro is an intriguing development, but I felt that she relied too heavily on its magical abilities in bringing the story to a close. Finally, the many wonderful side characters that Flewelling introduced us to in prior installments were sorely missed for the bulk of this one.
Throughout the series Flewelling has solidified such a fine fantasy realm, with such likeable characters, that even sub-par installments such as this one are still sufficiently entertaining. That said, this book needed more air and a lighter touch.
The enslavement would have worked better as a plot point rather than consuming the entire book. Also, the reunion of Seregil and Alec was very underwhelming, given the abuse they had suffered and the amount of time they had spent apart, and their bickering over Ilar seemed trivial in comparison to that suffering. Flewelling's introduction of the rhekaro is an intriguing development, but I felt that she relied too heavily on its magical abilities in bringing the story to a close. Finally, the many wonderful side characters that Flewelling introduced us to in prior installments were sorely missed for the bulk of this one.
February 28, 2024
4.5 stars
This was just as grim and infuriating to read this time around as the first time. Though at least this time, I at least knew how it would end to help me get through it. There's not much room for the trademark humor in this one, and the trials our heroes go through will forever mark them, Alec especially. Seeing Alec and Seregil brought to such lows was hard to read. :(
I hated Yuckibin (as we decided to call him in our BR group) and couldn't wait for him to get what was coming to him. As for And also hopefully, 😈
As for Anything's possible in this world, which is part of the fun.
Adam Danoff took over as narrator for this series with this book, thank the lord. He's not the most performative narrator out there, but he's easy to listen to and does a decent job with the voices.
Thanks for the BR, Rosa and Elena! <3
This was just as grim and infuriating to read this time around as the first time. Though at least this time, I at least knew how it would end to help me get through it. There's not much room for the trademark humor in this one, and the trials our heroes go through will forever mark them, Alec especially. Seeing Alec and Seregil brought to such lows was hard to read. :(
I hated Yuckibin (as we decided to call him in our BR group) and couldn't wait for him to get what was coming to him. As for And also hopefully, 😈
As for Anything's possible in this world, which is part of the fun.
Adam Danoff took over as narrator for this series with this book, thank the lord. He's not the most performative narrator out there, but he's easy to listen to and does a decent job with the voices.
Thanks for the BR, Rosa and Elena! <3
April 25, 2018
this book is very polarising but to me it was my FAVOURITE of the whole series
can't wait to get the fifth book and read about how alec and seregil can literally never catch a goddamn break
and ALSO!! i fucking SWEAR i will KNOCK ON LYNN'S DOOR MYSELF TO COMPLAIN
can't wait to get the fifth book and read about how alec and seregil can literally never catch a goddamn break
and ALSO!! i fucking SWEAR i will KNOCK ON LYNN'S DOOR MYSELF TO COMPLAIN
June 24, 2008
I mananged to skip the currently reading altogether with this one! Only took me six hours, too, which I'm sure must be a personal record.
The much anticipated fourth installment of the Nightrunners series, Shadows Return is absolutely awesome. It picks up a year and a half after the end of Traitor's Moon. Alec and Seregil have reestablished their personas as Lord Seregil and Sir Alec, and have rebuilt their inn, appropriately named The Stag and Otter. Of course, they've also reestablished themselves as the nightrunners of choice of the Rhiminee elite. However, things aren't going so well for them. Seregil has fallen out of favor with many of the nobles of Rhiminee, because of his Aurenfaie heritage, even though Skala is winning the war against Plenimar--barely--because of Aurenfaie aide. Queen Phoria is resentful that Skala needs aide from the 'faie, and therefore all things Aurenfaie are out of fashion among those trying to curry royal favor. She is convinced that Skala is far too dependent on magic, and has disbanded the Watchers, the secretive band of spies Seregil and Alec were part of, simply because they had been under the direction of the Oreska House wizards. Furthermore, nightrunning jobs are getting scarce, and Seregil's heart is no longer in it. "Too much risk for too little purpose" as he puts it.
So, when the opportunity for another mission to Aurenen comes up, Seregil and Alec agree to it. While there, they are ambushed and kidnapped by Zengati slavers, under the direction of Ulan i Sathil. Ulan is seething over the events of Traitor's Moon, and is seeking revenge on Seregil and Alec. As it turns out, because of some unique properties of Alec's mixed Hazadrielfaie/human blood, he is a highly valuable commodity in the Plenimaran slave markets, and is sold to a high ranking alchemist. Seregil is sold to the same man, although neither of them is aware of the fact.
I cannot say enough about how excited I am about this book. I've been a fan of Lynn's for years, ever since recieving a recommendation for Luck in the Shadows . Sure, as far as plots and settings go, it's nothing new, typical fantasy fare, but Lynn's added her own unique twists. Starting with the fact that Seregil is no one's "knight in shining armor", and is more likely to run or talk his way out of a fight than stand his ground. He doesn't have any qualms about killing someone who deserves it, instead of whining about how he's a better person than that, he'd be sinking down to their level, blah blah, what crap. Not to mention he's a sexy bastard, but I digress. And Alec is as sweet as ever, Seregil's redeeming grace. Of course, he can still kick ass about as effectively as Seregil; he's got a lot to learn yet, but it's clear that their relationship has progressed far from the master/apprentice stage and they're working as equal partners now.
Another thing I like about this series is that I never get the sense that Lynn is moralizing or preaching. The fact that the protags are two men in love with each other is just a fact. Nothing special. The whole society is like that, completely nonjudgmental when it comes to matters of sex. And that in it's way is as effective at getting themes of tolerance and acceptance across as when there's a very obvious message (such as in Mercedes Lackey's The Last Herald Mage trilogy). There's nothing particularly graphic in them, although there is plenty of innuendo and before-and-after scenes.
Basically, I have nothing bad to say. Shadows Return has all the elements that made it predecessors so great--a nice blend of questing, quiet character development, action and romance.
The much anticipated fourth installment of the Nightrunners series, Shadows Return is absolutely awesome. It picks up a year and a half after the end of Traitor's Moon. Alec and Seregil have reestablished their personas as Lord Seregil and Sir Alec, and have rebuilt their inn, appropriately named The Stag and Otter. Of course, they've also reestablished themselves as the nightrunners of choice of the Rhiminee elite. However, things aren't going so well for them. Seregil has fallen out of favor with many of the nobles of Rhiminee, because of his Aurenfaie heritage, even though Skala is winning the war against Plenimar--barely--because of Aurenfaie aide. Queen Phoria is resentful that Skala needs aide from the 'faie, and therefore all things Aurenfaie are out of fashion among those trying to curry royal favor. She is convinced that Skala is far too dependent on magic, and has disbanded the Watchers, the secretive band of spies Seregil and Alec were part of, simply because they had been under the direction of the Oreska House wizards. Furthermore, nightrunning jobs are getting scarce, and Seregil's heart is no longer in it. "Too much risk for too little purpose" as he puts it.
So, when the opportunity for another mission to Aurenen comes up, Seregil and Alec agree to it. While there, they are ambushed and kidnapped by Zengati slavers, under the direction of Ulan i Sathil. Ulan is seething over the events of Traitor's Moon, and is seeking revenge on Seregil and Alec. As it turns out, because of some unique properties of Alec's mixed Hazadrielfaie/human blood, he is a highly valuable commodity in the Plenimaran slave markets, and is sold to a high ranking alchemist. Seregil is sold to the same man, although neither of them is aware of the fact.
I cannot say enough about how excited I am about this book. I've been a fan of Lynn's for years, ever since recieving a recommendation for Luck in the Shadows . Sure, as far as plots and settings go, it's nothing new, typical fantasy fare, but Lynn's added her own unique twists. Starting with the fact that Seregil is no one's "knight in shining armor", and is more likely to run or talk his way out of a fight than stand his ground. He doesn't have any qualms about killing someone who deserves it, instead of whining about how he's a better person than that, he'd be sinking down to their level, blah blah, what crap. Not to mention he's a sexy bastard, but I digress. And Alec is as sweet as ever, Seregil's redeeming grace. Of course, he can still kick ass about as effectively as Seregil; he's got a lot to learn yet, but it's clear that their relationship has progressed far from the master/apprentice stage and they're working as equal partners now.
Another thing I like about this series is that I never get the sense that Lynn is moralizing or preaching. The fact that the protags are two men in love with each other is just a fact. Nothing special. The whole society is like that, completely nonjudgmental when it comes to matters of sex. And that in it's way is as effective at getting themes of tolerance and acceptance across as when there's a very obvious message (such as in Mercedes Lackey's The Last Herald Mage trilogy). There's nothing particularly graphic in them, although there is plenty of innuendo and before-and-after scenes.
Basically, I have nothing bad to say. Shadows Return has all the elements that made it predecessors so great--a nice blend of questing, quiet character development, action and romance.
August 20, 2024
*** 4.19 ***
This traditional type of Fantasy series is getting better with every book! This volume didn't have as much levity as some of the previous did, and actually had a prolonged chapters of angwish, but it was very well written and completely engrossing! My heart was hurting, then the ending had a very interesting reveal, and the last couple of sentences promise more of the same in the books to come. I honestly can't wait to find out where the author takes us from here!!! 😊👍
This traditional type of Fantasy series is getting better with every book! This volume didn't have as much levity as some of the previous did, and actually had a prolonged chapters of angwish, but it was very well written and completely engrossing! My heart was hurting, then the ending had a very interesting reveal, and the last couple of sentences promise more of the same in the books to come. I honestly can't wait to find out where the author takes us from here!!! 😊👍
August 5, 2016
Seregil and Alec are back in Rhíminee, but reminders are everywhere that the times have changed. Phoria is a much different queen than her mother Idrilain was, and almost everyone else has been affected by the unfolding events of the past three books...times are getting darker, and most of the characters are getting more serious and sober. Reading this installment, I really miss Nysander. Alec and Seregil are tough and can make it on their own, but there isn't quite as much levity.
I sighed, a bit, when reading the synopsis for this and found that Seregil and Alec would be sold into slavery in Plenimar. I'd been curious about Plenimar since the beginning, since the country itself has been in the periphery for the most part.
As usual, by the time I finished reading the first page, I was hooked, and couldn't put the book down.
One other interesting thing: there is a marked increase in sexual references. Not saying I mind, because I don't! But it was interesting. Whereas sexual topics were skirted around (albeit poetically) for the most part in the first three installments, in this one the references are a lot more direct. I, for one, thought it was very refreshing (and probably also a sign of the times...the first three were written over ten years ago and attitudes have become more open-minded since then). I have to say, though, it was a pretty cool change to not beat around the bush as much.
All in all this was another solid 5 stars. I can't get enough of the Nightrunners.
I sighed, a bit, when reading the synopsis for this and found that Seregil and Alec would be sold into slavery in Plenimar. I'd been curious about Plenimar since the beginning, since the country itself has been in the periphery for the most part.
As usual, by the time I finished reading the first page, I was hooked, and couldn't put the book down.
One other interesting thing: there is a marked increase in sexual references. Not saying I mind, because I don't! But it was interesting. Whereas sexual topics were skirted around (albeit poetically) for the most part in the first three installments, in this one the references are a lot more direct. I, for one, thought it was very refreshing (and probably also a sign of the times...the first three were written over ten years ago and attitudes have become more open-minded since then). I have to say, though, it was a pretty cool change to not beat around the bush as much.
All in all this was another solid 5 stars. I can't get enough of the Nightrunners.
May 29, 2010
Not enjoying this book was painful for me. I've read, and enjoyed, all of Lynn's other published work. My copies of the first two novels in the Nightrunner series are dog-eared and well-loved. I was so excited to finally have a new Nightrunner novel to read after so many years, to check in with my friends Alec and Seregil at last.
But I didn't want to see them like this, in bondage, separated from each other, angsty. I suspect the homunculus-child was supposed to be kind of spooky but I just found it corny and laughable. The language is spare and lacks the polish and depth of her previous work (not her fault -- apparently the publisher demanded a fairly limited word-count).
Unfortunately, the whole thing reads like fair-to-middling fanfiction, and I was ultimately so put off by this book that I won't be reading any more entries in the series. I'd rather remember Alec and Seregil as brave and dashing adventurers, not a couple of helpless prisoners mired in psychosexual melodrama.
But hey, at least the cover art is fantastic, for a change!
But I didn't want to see them like this, in bondage, separated from each other, angsty. I suspect the homunculus-child was supposed to be kind of spooky but I just found it corny and laughable. The language is spare and lacks the polish and depth of her previous work (not her fault -- apparently the publisher demanded a fairly limited word-count).
Unfortunately, the whole thing reads like fair-to-middling fanfiction, and I was ultimately so put off by this book that I won't be reading any more entries in the series. I'd rather remember Alec and Seregil as brave and dashing adventurers, not a couple of helpless prisoners mired in psychosexual melodrama.
But hey, at least the cover art is fantastic, for a change!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2022
4.5 stars
i love alec and seregil so much T_T
(and thero being completely whipped for klia is very on brand for him)
i love alec and seregil so much T_T
(and thero being completely whipped for klia is very on brand for him)
April 20, 2019
I almost gave this one star but pretty much all my complaints about this book are personal preferences so like ...it's not her fault that she took almost every single trope that I hate and attached them to characters that I like. Also for some reason I kept thinking of the last Queen's Thief book [#5] while reading this and going 'well at least it's not as bad at that'. If there was a 1.5 star option I probably would have taken it though.
There's really no way to do this without spoilers so here we go:
A definite weak point in the series so far and I missed a lot of the side characters that I am used to seeing more of at this point. The summary for the next book sounds interesting though so I'm hopeful that this was a temporary dip in quality and that the series will get better again.
There's really no way to do this without spoilers so here we go:
A definite weak point in the series so far and I missed a lot of the side characters that I am used to seeing more of at this point. The summary for the next book sounds interesting though so I'm hopeful that this was a temporary dip in quality and that the series will get better again.
December 26, 2018
Notwithstanding that Lynn Flewelling created with Seregil and Alec the best fictional romantic partnership ever, this novel was a let-down for me.
The story felt unbalanced, the characters uneven. The first three quarters read more like a re-narration of events from the first three books followed by a let’s-let-them-suffer trope, of which I’m SO tired, that I can’t even … I’m alright with reading about abuse and suffering if it serves a plot purpose, but for most of the part this wasn’t the feeling I got here.
I liked the idea of the rhekaro (at least up to the point where it turned into an universal weapon) and enjoyed the team Micum/Thero as unlikely Nightrunners. For that I have hope for the second part of this two-parter.
The story felt unbalanced, the characters uneven. The first three quarters read more like a re-narration of events from the first three books followed by a let’s-let-them-suffer trope, of which I’m SO tired, that I can’t even … I’m alright with reading about abuse and suffering if it serves a plot purpose, but for most of the part this wasn’t the feeling I got here.
I liked the idea of the rhekaro (at least up to the point where it turned into an universal weapon) and enjoyed the team Micum/Thero as unlikely Nightrunners. For that I have hope for the second part of this two-parter.
August 13, 2009
The two roguish heroes of Flewelling's "Nightrunner" series return, almost ten years since their last appearance. Only a few years have passed in their world, but they've still experienced some serious changes: not least, there is a new queen of Skala, and she has little use or trust for the Watchers. Alec, Seregil, and the remnants of their merry band are left to raise families, build inns, or play at being dissolute nobles. When the queen commands Alec and Seregil to deliver a message to her exiled sister Klia, they leap at the chance for another adventure.
(SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT)
But instead of the swashbuckling excitement and intrigue they (and the reader) expect, they are quickly kidnapped and sold in the slave markets of Plenimar. (The slavers in this fantasy world are dark-skinned, keep harems, and have curly beards. OH FLEWELLING NO.) There, Alec's unique half-blood heritage is both a blessing and a curse--instead of warming someone's bed or working in a field, he is bought by an alchemist, who first "refines" Alec's blood and then uses it to create otherworldly monsters. The alchemy and the creatures are chilling and interesting; the rest of the book is less so. Alec and Seregil spend hundreds of pages just sitting around their slave quarters, and the B plot (Thero and Micum, their fellow Watchers, try to rescue them) seems tacked on. All this could have been forgiven had the interpersonal relationships been interesting, or the inner monologues been insightful, but alas, that too was not to be. Instead, I had a hard time remembering who many of the characters were. Several horrific scenes were rendered significantly less horrific due to A)Flewelling's unexpectedly euphamistic style and B)not having any emotional connection to the characters involved.
This is a mediocre beginning to another trilogy in the Nightrunners series. I like Seregil and Alec as a couple (refreshingly little angst!) and Flewelling has written good court intrigue and adventure in the past. I hope she returns to her strengths.
(SPOILERS FROM HERE ON OUT)
But instead of the swashbuckling excitement and intrigue they (and the reader) expect, they are quickly kidnapped and sold in the slave markets of Plenimar. (The slavers in this fantasy world are dark-skinned, keep harems, and have curly beards. OH FLEWELLING NO.) There, Alec's unique half-blood heritage is both a blessing and a curse--instead of warming someone's bed or working in a field, he is bought by an alchemist, who first "refines" Alec's blood and then uses it to create otherworldly monsters. The alchemy and the creatures are chilling and interesting; the rest of the book is less so. Alec and Seregil spend hundreds of pages just sitting around their slave quarters, and the B plot (Thero and Micum, their fellow Watchers, try to rescue them) seems tacked on. All this could have been forgiven had the interpersonal relationships been interesting, or the inner monologues been insightful, but alas, that too was not to be. Instead, I had a hard time remembering who many of the characters were. Several horrific scenes were rendered significantly less horrific due to A)Flewelling's unexpectedly euphamistic style and B)not having any emotional connection to the characters involved.
This is a mediocre beginning to another trilogy in the Nightrunners series. I like Seregil and Alec as a couple (refreshingly little angst!) and Flewelling has written good court intrigue and adventure in the past. I hope she returns to her strengths.
January 18, 2011
For some reason, I found the third novel to be less exciting than the first two. However, the fourth novel seems to have made up for any lacking in 3.
[spoiler ahead] There wasn't that much action, really, if you think about it. They head off to Aurenen only to be kidnapped, dragged through a slave market then imprisoned by a Plenimaran lord. Much of the plot of the book develops within those walls. But it was the despair encompassed with the main characters in that villa that pulls at the attention of the reader (at least this reader). I usually like my books a bit more cheery, but introducing a mad yet lucid alchemist and his sterile approach at the tortures displayed, a broken slave half crazy for Seregil and no other friends in sight to ask for help... well, it doesn't get any more lonely and despairing. I admit the author had quite a creative imagination for this volume, as some of the punishments almost left me heaving. And by mid book, I was as depressed and faithless as Alec and Seregil felt.
It was a crude world, but only such a place could stomach to create a rhekaro. And yet, just like Alex, I found myself strangely attached to the strange elixir/child. With all its oddities or maybe because of it, he was endearing and despite proof of his deadly nature, I too, felt like protecting him.
The most intense scene was of course, towards the end. Alec's sacrifice was not extremely original but the effect was just the same. I could not believe they would actually die there, together. And Sebrahn's white flowers seemed appropriate when his song could kill.[end spoiler]
I really enjoyed this book. Not only for the touching moments and romantic closeness of Seregil and Alec but also for the helpless feeling that passed through the pages, the wondrous magic and ideas that created the plot and last but not least, the happy ending that I always seek.
[spoiler ahead] There wasn't that much action, really, if you think about it. They head off to Aurenen only to be kidnapped, dragged through a slave market then imprisoned by a Plenimaran lord. Much of the plot of the book develops within those walls. But it was the despair encompassed with the main characters in that villa that pulls at the attention of the reader (at least this reader). I usually like my books a bit more cheery, but introducing a mad yet lucid alchemist and his sterile approach at the tortures displayed, a broken slave half crazy for Seregil and no other friends in sight to ask for help... well, it doesn't get any more lonely and despairing. I admit the author had quite a creative imagination for this volume, as some of the punishments almost left me heaving. And by mid book, I was as depressed and faithless as Alec and Seregil felt.
It was a crude world, but only such a place could stomach to create a rhekaro. And yet, just like Alex, I found myself strangely attached to the strange elixir/child. With all its oddities or maybe because of it, he was endearing and despite proof of his deadly nature, I too, felt like protecting him.
The most intense scene was of course, towards the end. Alec's sacrifice was not extremely original but the effect was just the same. I could not believe they would actually die there, together. And Sebrahn's white flowers seemed appropriate when his song could kill.[end spoiler]
I really enjoyed this book. Not only for the touching moments and romantic closeness of Seregil and Alec but also for the helpless feeling that passed through the pages, the wondrous magic and ideas that created the plot and last but not least, the happy ending that I always seek.
May 1, 2010
While the first three volumes of the Nightrunner Series are possibly the best books I ever read in the genre, Shadows Return doesn't live up to it's predecessors at all and left me more than disappointed.
Where he first three novels shone with a great and credible world full of detail and characters that never drifted into clichee, with a plot full of twists and turns that drew the reader into the world, Shadows Return lacks all of these factors.
Sold into slavery, the protagonists suddenly lack their realism and credibility from previous novels and become angsty emo-ish boys that rather remind of a mediocre YA novel than a sequel to the Nightrunner Series. Plenimar, the country they are captured in, becomes a cardboardy evil place, something the author avoided so well in earlier novels, but now falls into headlong. The story stays flat and forced, and finally even resolves to deus-ex-machina elements with alchemically created boys and over the top magic.
I hate to give this so few stars, but all of the many things I loved about the early Nightrunner Series are gone here. What stayed are old loved characters that feel sureally twisted like in bad fanfiction, an angsty plot that lacks credibility not everywhere, but often enough, and an outcome that promises no improvement for the 5th novel, although I sure hope the next one will be better after all.
Where he first three novels shone with a great and credible world full of detail and characters that never drifted into clichee, with a plot full of twists and turns that drew the reader into the world, Shadows Return lacks all of these factors.
Sold into slavery, the protagonists suddenly lack their realism and credibility from previous novels and become angsty emo-ish boys that rather remind of a mediocre YA novel than a sequel to the Nightrunner Series. Plenimar, the country they are captured in, becomes a cardboardy evil place, something the author avoided so well in earlier novels, but now falls into headlong. The story stays flat and forced, and finally even resolves to deus-ex-machina elements with alchemically created boys and over the top magic.
I hate to give this so few stars, but all of the many things I loved about the early Nightrunner Series are gone here. What stayed are old loved characters that feel sureally twisted like in bad fanfiction, an angsty plot that lacks credibility not everywhere, but often enough, and an outcome that promises no improvement for the 5th novel, although I sure hope the next one will be better after all.
March 14, 2017
*muttering softly to myself* what the fuck
January 13, 2020
7/10
Fewer storylines to follow and a fair amount of repetition, but still, a few surprises and some important character development, considering the overall series.
Fewer storylines to follow and a fair amount of repetition, but still, a few surprises and some important character development, considering the overall series.
October 24, 2020
I can definitely see why some people might have rated this lower than the others, but this has probably been my favorite of the series, so far.
June 24, 2017
This seems to be the least popular book in this series and I kind of get why but, at the same time, I don't think this is the worst book in the series. I think Lynn Flewelling's writing improved with every book, it was just a few other little things that made this one not quite as good as it could have been.
Since this is the fourth book, there's not too much I can say without spoilers, so I'll keep it brief:
Good things:
-Of all the books so far, I thought this one showed some great character development, particularly on Alec's part. It's great to see him being more independent and, essentially, growing as a person.
-There's a new character that I already love. I don't even care what anyone says.
-I was very happy with the plot - so far, we haven't had a case of plots being largely reused, I felt this was very original and a great opportunity to really explore the characters.
Bad things:
-There are some great side characters in this series, and they were mostly absent from this. That was very sad.
-It was a bit slow and not that much went on, especially in the first half. This didn't bother me too much but I know some people like it to be more action-packed.
-It was pretty info dumpy. There was a lot of reminding you what happened in the previous books which I suppose would have been helpful to the people reading them as they came out as there was a big gap between Traitor's Moon and Shadows Return but I've read them quite recently so those passages could be quite boring.
This was definitely not as good as Traitor's Moon, which I gave 5 stars, but I still did enjoy it rather a lot and am very annoyed at myself for leaving The White Road at uni. I can't read it until September *cries*
Since this is the fourth book, there's not too much I can say without spoilers, so I'll keep it brief:
Good things:
-Of all the books so far, I thought this one showed some great character development, particularly on Alec's part. It's great to see him being more independent and, essentially, growing as a person.
-There's a new character that I already love. I don't even care what anyone says.
-I was very happy with the plot - so far, we haven't had a case of plots being largely reused, I felt this was very original and a great opportunity to really explore the characters.
Bad things:
-There are some great side characters in this series, and they were mostly absent from this. That was very sad.
-It was a bit slow and not that much went on, especially in the first half. This didn't bother me too much but I know some people like it to be more action-packed.
-It was pretty info dumpy. There was a lot of reminding you what happened in the previous books which I suppose would have been helpful to the people reading them as they came out as there was a big gap between Traitor's Moon and Shadows Return but I've read them quite recently so those passages could be quite boring.
This was definitely not as good as Traitor's Moon, which I gave 5 stars, but I still did enjoy it rather a lot and am very annoyed at myself for leaving The White Road at uni. I can't read it until September *cries*
May 2, 2021
❤❤❤
Lynn Flewelling, queen of surpassing your worst expectations.
I'm so happy this book was more like the second one and that their relationship doesn't feel so uncomfortable anymore. I'm also very impressed by how Flewelling creates whole books from minor details
Lynn Flewelling, queen of surpassing your worst expectations.
I'm so happy this book was more like the second one and that their relationship doesn't feel so uncomfortable anymore. I'm also very impressed by how Flewelling creates whole books from minor details
January 23, 2023
Lynn Flewelling has really outdone herself with this installment. She brings back threads of the past back together and expands greatly on her world lore. An exciting and fulfilling read!
March 11, 2023
5 Stars without a doubt, this is my favourite night-runner story so far!
July 9, 2024
So far, my favourite in the series. I could barely put the book down.
February 20, 2015
First of all, what a gorgeous cover. But I was a little disappointed in the book. Not horribly so, but … still. The previous book, Traitor's Moon, was so very good, and wrapped the series up so tidily, that I was surprised when I found out about the new book(s).
Seregil and Alec are wonderful characters, and what they do best is the Nightrunning – hence the name of the series. And this starts promisingly with a mission successfully completed and another begun … and then suddenly en route to Aurënen they are ambushed, and next thing you know both of them are on ships as slaves. Well, Seregil is a slave – Alec is destined for other, even darker things, and it isn't pretty, any of it. (Except the cover.)
I've read reviews commenting that they spend far too long imprisoned; I agree, mostly, but not entirely: it's not like they didn't both try. Repeatedly. It was a serious illustration of what slavery means: you may be an intelligent and resourceful and motivated young man, but if you are enslaved, you're still a possession. All the traits that make you a wonderful Nightrunner, lover, friend, person make you a lousy slave – and lousy slaves end up dead. Unless your owner has an ulterior motive in keeping you alive, in which case they make you a spectacularly bruised and miserable slave.
The identity of the owner was startling, and inevitable in its way - and explained a lot. And his fate, not at all what one would expect, is great for the plot. The white child … fascinating idea. I wonder if Flewelling had that in mind when she revealed Alec's parentage. It was almost as tortuous to read about its creation as it was for poor Alec to go through it (all right, not quite: hyperbole for effect); much of the book was like that. Once the lot of them are free and on the run, the fight for Alec and Seregil to regain their status quo is almost as painful; I missed them. I haven't read the next book yet; here's hoping that whatever harrowing adventures come their way the two of them will be together, and will not fall prey to the "You don't understand me!" trap. Which is even harder to read than the "good lord, they're beating him up again" situation… at least in the latter I can have sympathy for the character if the writing is good and the situation is plausible. Although it is always a little hard to swallow that with all that abuse a character emerges in the end without any permanent damage. In the former, I just want to slap everyone involved.
Seregil and Alec are wonderful characters, and what they do best is the Nightrunning – hence the name of the series. And this starts promisingly with a mission successfully completed and another begun … and then suddenly en route to Aurënen they are ambushed, and next thing you know both of them are on ships as slaves. Well, Seregil is a slave – Alec is destined for other, even darker things, and it isn't pretty, any of it. (Except the cover.)
I've read reviews commenting that they spend far too long imprisoned; I agree, mostly, but not entirely: it's not like they didn't both try. Repeatedly. It was a serious illustration of what slavery means: you may be an intelligent and resourceful and motivated young man, but if you are enslaved, you're still a possession. All the traits that make you a wonderful Nightrunner, lover, friend, person make you a lousy slave – and lousy slaves end up dead. Unless your owner has an ulterior motive in keeping you alive, in which case they make you a spectacularly bruised and miserable slave.
The identity of the owner was startling, and inevitable in its way - and explained a lot. And his fate, not at all what one would expect, is great for the plot. The white child … fascinating idea. I wonder if Flewelling had that in mind when she revealed Alec's parentage. It was almost as tortuous to read about its creation as it was for poor Alec to go through it (all right, not quite: hyperbole for effect); much of the book was like that. Once the lot of them are free and on the run, the fight for Alec and Seregil to regain their status quo is almost as painful; I missed them. I haven't read the next book yet; here's hoping that whatever harrowing adventures come their way the two of them will be together, and will not fall prey to the "You don't understand me!" trap. Which is even harder to read than the "good lord, they're beating him up again" situation… at least in the latter I can have sympathy for the character if the writing is good and the situation is plausible. Although it is always a little hard to swallow that with all that abuse a character emerges in the end without any permanent damage. In the former, I just want to slap everyone involved.
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