Annwyn's Blood

The Paladin of Shadow Chronicles

Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
240 Pages
Reviewed on 06/06/2024
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Annwyn's Blood is penned by author team Michael Eging and Steve Arnold in the epic fantasy, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the opening part of The Paladin of Shadow Chronicles. In this engrossing tale, Marianna, daughter of High King Mattheus, is abducted by unknown raiders, prompting her father to send warriors, including Erik of Birkenshire, to rescue her. Erik is separated from his comrades and ventures into perilous lands, where he discovers Marianna has been transformed into a succubus by an ancient evil. He is caught in a struggle against Arawn, Lord of Annwyn, and must resist Marianna's temptations to save his soul, family, and world from the encroaching darkness.

Author duo Michael Eging and Steve Arnold have put their very best skills together to craft an exhilarating dive into a rich tapestry of myth and adventure. The authors brilliantly capture the chaotic post-Roman era of Albion, with vivid descriptions and atmospheric lexis that brought the misty isles and their perilous landscapes to life. Beyond this, the culture and attitudes of the world are explored well to help us understand the characters and how their attitudes have been shaped by the world around them. Erik's journey, driven by a blend of duty and personal affection, is sure to resonate deeply with fans of classic heroes as he faces both physical and supernatural challenges. The transformation of Marianna from a damsel in distress to a succubus is a fascinating and haunting twist, while the looming threat of Arawn heightens the stakes with a great sense of pacing and surprise elements. Erik’s internal and external battles, navigating treacherous territories and resisting dark temptations, kept me engrossed from start to finish. Overall, Annwyn's Blood weaves brilliant historical fantasy with elements of horror, creating a compelling narrative that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. I know I am.