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Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Genre: Fiction / Fantasy / Heroic Fantasy / Epic Fantasy / Adventure

Book Review:
''Shadowheart'' by James Barclay is truly excellent heroic fantasy that continues the acclaimed Raven series. War has come. It has been smouldering for years, but now the conflict between Balaia's four colleges of magic has finally blazed into furious life. Xetesk, the Dark College, determined to impose its rule, now faces an alliance of Lystern and Dordova. Julatsa is crippled, still struggling to remake its link to Balaia's constant flow of Mana. And so the armies mass.

Caught in the flames of war are The Raven. Three of the legendary mercenary band are dead. One of them struggles with a burgeoning power that could herald a new world—and destroy the old. The survivors will keep their promises to lost friends, to the enslaved Protectors, and to the dragon, Sha-Kaan. To Balaia.

Barclay's writing is gritty, down-to-earth, and delightful. He creates novels you want to read again and again. If you enjoy epic fantasy, heroic quests, or magic and warfare, Shadowheart is a must-read. Highly recommended!