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The Light of Burning Shadows: Book Two of the Iron Elves Audiobook
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(3.02) - 459 listener ratings
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"They might be doomed, damned, and buggered for all eternity, but that didn't mean they couldn't sparkle like a diamond in the sun and grin like a skull in the moonlight on their way to oblivion."
Musket and cannon, bow and arrow, and magic and diplomacy vie for supremacy once again in this second epic fantasy adventure from acclaimed author Chris Evans. As the human-dominated Calahrian Empire struggles to maintain its hold on power in the face of armed rebellion from within, the Iron Elves' perilous quest to defeat the power-hungry elf witch, the Shadow Monarch, takes on greater urgency.
The Iron Elves, shunned by their own people for bearing the mark of the Shadow Monarch and desperately wanting to forever erase this shame, became legendary for their prowess on the battlefield as the Calahrian Imperial Army's elite shock troops. But when their commanding officer, Konowa Swift Dragon, murdered the Viceroy of Elfkyna, he was exiled, and these brave elves were banished to a remote desert outpost, doomed and leaderless, their honor in tatters.
Recalled to duty to reform his regiment from the dregs of the Imperial Army, Konowa thwarted the plans of the Shadow Monarch at the Battle of Luuguth Jo—ensuring that the fabled Red Star, a source of great natural energy, did not fall into Her hands. Now Konowa must cross storm-tossed seas to seek out the lost elves and the prophesied return of another Star somewhere in a desert wasteland roiling with mysterious power, infernos of swirling magic, and legends brought back to life in new and terrible ways. And the fate of every living creature will come to depend on a small band of ragged and desperate soldiers whose very loyalty to the Empire they have sworn to serve is no longer certain. When death is but a temporary condition, a terrifying question arises: who is the true ally—and who is the fearsome enemy—in a growing conflict that threatens all?
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"I hadn't read Chris Evans until I picked up the first book, A Darkness Forged in Fire, which was fantastic. The Light of Burning shadows continues his excellent writing style and knowledge base of Napoleonic style battles mixed with British Colonialism, and the possible politics that go on in the ranks of the officers and common soldiers. He has mixed these elements with fantasy that draws the reader in and leaves them wanting more the way Steven Eriksons Malazon Book of the Fallen series, or Robert Jordan and the Wheel of Time."
— Chris (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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A gutsy fantasy set in a world of imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier's plight that would have done Kipling proud.
— Karen Traviss, New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force -
“A gutsy fantasy set in a world of imperial greed and magical plotting, with an eye for the ordinary soldier’s plight that would have done Kipling proud.”
— Karen Traviss, New York Times bestselling author of Star Wars: Legacy of the Force -
“Evans evokes the era of Napoleon with muskets and slashing swords while neatly mixing in military fantasy, swords and sorcery, and a great deal of success.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review) -
“Kramer has plenty of opportunity to use a range of accents. The quick interplay between the Iron Elves has splashes of humor and affection that Kramer brings forward.”
— AudioFile
The Light of Burning Shadows Listener Reviews
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" Better than I thought. I stopped reading it because I wasn't interested in reading about Alyrn, but it was worth it to power though those parts. I will be hunting down the final volume. "
— Kash, 2/11/2014 -
" A good setting and overall good story but suffers from very ordinary writing. "
— Andre, 1/27/2014 -
" i sorry i had a tuff time even giveing it 3 star . frist book was better . this book he kills off the charictor that made the frist book good and the main hero of the story almust only makes a couple sarcastic statment and exit off stage "
— Richard, 1/15/2014 -
" It feels unfair to judge this book too harshly, as it's main purpose is to progress the plot but not to reach a resolution. In romance aspect, this is true - it's only briefly referred to. Otherwise, the plot picks up momentum and stakes keep getting raised higher. Looking forward to the third book. "
— Lisa, 1/15/2014 -
" Something bothers me about the character of Visyna and the way she deals with Konowa. But I'm loving watching the tension and epic-ness of the story grow. "
— Lisa, 1/4/2014 -
" Damn cool! "
— Nathan, 12/23/2013 -
" Quick read. Gets a bit more into the magic side of things. Not as much military as book one, and more political stuff. "
— Justin, 12/14/2013 -
" This book was sad because a few of my favorite characters die and of course it left me hanging as there is going to be a third book. Good read but not one of my absolute favorites. "
— Alicia, 12/8/2013 -
" This book was really good. I couldn't put it down. It didn't complete what I thought was a main story line and kept it hanging. So of course now I am hoping the next book is already published and I don't have to wait for book 3. "
— Ellen, 11/27/2013 -
" This was the second installment of the Iron Elves Saga and once again Chris Evans didnt disappoint.This book is as equally good as the Black Company series by Glen Cook..I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys this genre and look forward to the next book in the series. "
— Randy, 6/23/2013 -
" Better than average, but falls well short of greatness. entertaining. "
— Rick, 12/11/2012 -
" Better than I thought it would be. "
— Tweedledum, 9/22/2012 -
" I'm liking Chris Evans. Military tactician and fantasy writer all in one. Good stuff... "
— Gary, 4/30/2012 -
" Not as much humor, still a wonderful read. This series is very unique and I think everyone should read it, I found myself rereading and highlighting some fantastic quotes that really had me thinking. Chris Evans is a very wise man. "
— Sherry, 12/22/2011 -
" Better than book one. The characters are more interesting, the story better laid out. "
— David, 11/27/2011 -
" For some reason I just cannot get into the characters in this story, It is your typical middle earth type fantasy, with elves and dwarves and magic but I find my mind wondering as much with this story as with my textbooks. Could be that I have just read too many of this genre? "
— Mary, 7/21/2011 -
" This book was sad because a few of my favorite characters die and of course it left me hanging as there is going to be a third book. Good read but not one of my absolute favorites. "
— Alicia, 5/28/2011 -
" This was the second installment of the Iron Elves Saga and once again Chris Evans didnt disappoint.This book is as equally good as the Black Company series by Glen Cook..I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys this genre and look forward to the next book in the series. "
— Randy, 12/4/2010 -
" For some reason I just cannot get into the characters in this story, It is your typical middle earth type fantasy, with elves and dwarves and magic but I find my mind wondering as much with this story as with my textbooks. Could be that I have just read too many of this genre? "
— Mary, 5/4/2010 -
" This story put me in mind of a civil war campaign only with elves, dwarfs, witches, and opposing magics. I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed the book although the reader, Michael Crammer, may have had a lot to do with it. <br/> <br/>I can't wait for this summer when the third book comes out. "
— Susan, 3/29/2010 -
" Better than book one. The characters are more interesting, the story better laid out. "
— David, 1/24/2010
About Chris Evans
Chris Evans was born in Toronto, Canada, and now lives in New York City. He has earned degrees in English, history, and political science, and a master’s degree in history with distinction specializing in military history. Before moving to the United States he was a military historian and conducted battlefield tours of Europe in addition to being the military historical consultant on a television documentary on the First World War. Chris is currently the editor of history and current affairs/conflicts books at Stackpole Books where he launched the Stackpole Military History Series that now has over 120 titles in print. The Iron Elves is Chris’ first series and is being translated into French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Czech.
About Michael Kramer
Michael Kramer is an AudioFile Earphones Award winner, a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award for Best Narration, and recipient of a Publishers Weekly Listen-Up Award. He is also an actor and director in the Washington, DC, area, where he is active in the area’s theater scene and has appeared in productions at the Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, and Theater J.