The Secrets of Shadowcrest is a fantasy by Lance McColgan that mixes historical England with the hidden fantasy island of Cabalia. After the death of King William, without a son and heir, civil war broke out, but finally, an accord was signed and peace returned. It is now 1153 AD and England is again on the brink of war, as the treaty agreeing on the succession is on the verge of disintegrating. King Henry II sends Sir William Steele in search of the magical island of Cabalia to enact a deal with the fearsome House Shadowcrest. The magical artifacts he is to obtain will give Henry a monumental advantage in the upcoming war. On reaching the town of Elkreath on Cabalia, William meets Brinwin and his warrior-mage sister Zala. Still, all is far from straightforward, and William is in danger. Provided with a safe haven, he is hidden amongst the Essari but is pursued by Inquisitor Telnis Raiko.

Lance McColgan has created an original fantasy that is broad in history, landscape, and mythology. This is a slow-burn book as we learn about the major players, their backgrounds, and their roles in the conflicts and intrigues. William Steele and Zala’s relationship is handled skillfully and is thoroughly believable. The Secrets of Shadowcrest is not a gore-fest and the author steers clear of graphic violence, but the story is none the worse for it. Themes of duty, honor, and betrayal are explored in a magical context. Interesting characters, monsters, and a spectrum of races, tied in a web of intrigue, romance, and larger-than-life characters, make The Secrets of Shadowcrest a fantasy well worth dipping your toes into.

In The Secrets of Shadowcrest by Lance McColgan, Henry II and Stephen of Blois compete for the throne of England. Henry makes a deal with the mysterious House Shadowcrest that rules one of the five kingdoms on the magical island of Cabalia. Lord William Steele must bring two sets of armor made from shadesteel, a secret alloy of House Shadowcrest, to make a trap for Stephen and enhance Henry's chances. But Stephen is also interested in shadesteel and sends his man to Cabalia. After a dangerous journey, William reaches the city of Elkreath. On his way to the meeting with his contact from House Shadowcrest, William sees that someone is suddenly ablaze. As Elkreath's Council of Inquest sends its officials to detain William for a murder he didn't commit, Brinwin Zikennig, an alchemist from the powerful Azkalah organization, helps him leave the city. Will Lord Steele fulfill his duty and return to his ship in Elkreath's port in time?

In The Secrets of Shadowcrest, Lance McColgan offers exceptional world-building, which includes the race of inventors called Essari and their unique way of speaking. McColgan creates multilayered characters. I like that William is not a superhero. He bears old scars and traumas and tries to be a good father to his only son. William feels insecure and awkward in a world where he is an unwanted guest. Brinwin, or Brin, can be arrogant, yet his courage, resourcefulness, and upbeat spirit are legendary. Brin's sister, Zala, is spontaneous and funny. A strong woman, she remains good-natured despite the injustices she has suffered. The book has an interesting subplot regarding Inquestor Telnis Raiko. McColgan crafted a witty intrigue around William's mission in Cabalia, with the honest and dedicated Inquestor Raiko shedding light on it. The action-packed, intense scenes are cleverly balanced with the haunting descriptions and meaningful faith reflections. I highly recommend this captivating book to fans of fantasy, adventure, and historical fiction.

The Secrets of Shadowcrest is a work of fiction in the fantasy, adventure, and historical fiction genres. It is suitable for teen and adult reading audiences and contains some mild fantasy violence and references to death. Penned by author Lance McColgan, this enchanting story transports readers to 1153 England, where faithful knight Lord William Steele embarks on a secret mission to the mysterious Island of Cabalia amidst civil unrest. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn, leading him to navigate through a landscape fraught with danger and intrigue. Along the way, he encounters mercenaries, kings, and mythical creatures while grappling with forgotten histories and timeless truths in his quest to discover the Secrets of Shadowcrest.

Author Lance McColgan has crafted an immersive and multi-sensory journey into a richly imagined world, blending medieval history with high fantasy. The narrative is fast-flowing, creating a compelling sense of wonder and enthusiasm as facets of the historical setting and fantasy blend to form a credible and exciting voyage of discovery. The exploration of themes such as faith, love, and duty is subtle and slow-burning, creating deeper emotional resonance the further one reads, prompting reflection on timeless human experiences through William’s eyes. McColgan's vivid storytelling and lighthearted humor make for an engaging read that knows just when to switch from its wide-eyed adventure viewpoint into deeper, more hard-hitting emotional trials and really catch readers off guard. Overall, The Secrets of Shadowcrest is a highly recommended fantasy offering both thrilling escapades and thought-provoking insights into what makes a hero truly heroic.

The Secrets of Shadowcrest by Lance McColgan is set in the period of civil unrest in the mid-12th century in England. Lord William Steele sets out on a secret mission under King Henry II’s orders to the enigmatic island of Cabalia. The island is full of people who possess magic and mystical powers. His plans take an unexpected turn, leading him and his new friends on a dangerous adventure that exceeds his wildest imagination. Among his companions are Brinwin Zikennig, a mercenary with his own plans, and his spirited sister, Zala. They encounter scheming monarchs and mythical beasts during their adventure. As William travels into the island’s depths, he learns more about Cabalia and its ancient secrets. Their journey leads them to the Kingdom of Shadowcrest, where a recipe for crafting shadesteel holds the key to completing the mission. Will William be able to discover the secrets of Shadowcrest and return to England, or will the darkness of Shadowcrest make him part of its secret?

The Secrets of Shadowcrest is a captivating story with a blend of medieval history and fantasy, taking readers into a world filled with magic and mystery. The gripping momentum of the plot kept me hooked until the final pages. Lance McColgan takes time to vividly describe the landscape of Cabalia and the strange and interesting creatures that William encounters in his travels. I especially liked the various potions and tools that helped the trio in their mission. McColgan shows attention to detail in the narrative by including a translation ring early in the adventure to facilitate seamless communication among the characters. The plot has unexpected twists and moments of humor, even in the face of danger. This story of self-discovery and survival made me contemplate the concepts of faith, love, and duty and how it could mean something different to each of us.