Shadow King

by Gav Thorpe, William King
Shadow King cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Fantasy
Technical
  • ID: 3008
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781844168170
  • Publisher: Games Workshop
  • Published: 2009-12-29
  • Reviews: 3

Alith Anar, once a noble prince of Nagarythe, is thrust into a world of darkness and vengeance after his family is brutally betrayed and slain. As the Shadow King, he seeks retribution while the high elf princes desperately try to protect their homeland from an impending invasion. This epic tale of war, betrayal, and redemption is set against the backdrop of a richly imagined fantasy world, filled with intricate politics and high-stakes battles. /n/nThe story explores themes of loss, power, and the consequences of vengeance, as Alith Anar navigates the treacherous path of leadership and war. With a blend of dark fantasy and political intrigue, Shadow King offers a gripping narrative that will captivate fans of the genre.

Reviews
Reddit - r/totalwar · 2019-01-01
intense 3.50

The reviewer acknowledges the book's intense battle scenes and the protagonist's resilience, but notes that the story can be quite dark and brutal.

The reviewer on Reddit discusses the book's intense and brutal battle scenes, highlighting the protagonist's resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. They mention a particular battle where the protagonist loses a significant portion of his group, which adds to the story's intensity. The reviewer seems to appreciate the depth of the character's struggles and the high stakes involved. However, they also note that the book can be quite dark and brutal, which might not be suitable for all readers. Overall, the review suggests that the book is engaging for those who enjoy a more gritty and intense narrative.

Quick quotes

    There was one single battle where he literally lost over half the group he brought with him, over ...

    Shadow King by Gav Thorpe? Yeah I read it.

    The book is quite dark and brutal, but it's engaging for those who enjoy that sort of thing.

Bookwraiths · 2013-07-28
compelling 4.50

The author skillfully transforms a potentially clichéd tale of vengeance into a deeply engaging narrative. The story's pacing and character development make it a compelling read.

The reviewer praises the author for taking a story that could easily have fallen into familiar tropes and making it fresh and captivating. They highlight the author's ability to create a gripping tale of vengeance, noting that the characters and their motivations are well-developed. The reviewer also mentions that the book is a page-turner, especially for fans of the Warhammer universe or anyone who enjoys a good revenge story. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    Great book! I have to commend the author for making what could have been a contrived story of loss and vengeance into a very compelling read.

    However, Shadow King is a page turner, especially if you enjoy the warhammer universe or just a good tale regarding the pursuit of vengeance.

    Its wonderfully rich, has great characters with each book being action packed with sword work, heavy blood price and of course double dealing.

Fantasy Reviews · 2010-04-28
captivating 4.00

The reviewer appreciates the detailed world-building and the action-packed narrative, making it a captivating read for fantasy enthusiasts.

The reviewer from Fantasy Reviews highlights the rich world-building and the action-packed narrative of the book, which they find captivating. They mention that the story of a nobleman seeking vengeance for his family's betrayal and murder is gripping and well-executed. The reviewer appreciates the detailed world-building, which adds depth to the story and makes the fantasy elements more immersive. They also note that the book is action-packed, with sword fights and political intrigue that keep the reader engaged. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a strong addition to the fantasy genre, particularly for those who enjoy detailed world-building and action-driven narratives.

Quick quotes

    As a paperback published by Black Library, this action-packed fantasy novel is sure to captivate readers with its gripping narrative and detailed world-building ...

    A nobleman whose family is murdered through treachery goes ...

    Its wonderfully rich, has great characters with each book being action packed with sword work, heavy blood price and of course double dealing.

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