Review of The Shade of Highfall
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MBerretta
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Review of The Shade of Highfall
[Following is a volunteer review of "The Shade of Highfall" by Mark O'Dell.]
The foul smell of the Mucmarsh and grinding poverty of the Duns—located in the lower reach of Highfall— are all that our youthful heroine knows. For nearly fifteen years, Shrew has had to fight, steal, and scrounge for food to survive. After being brought to the workhouse because of stealing, she is forced to become a "gutter rat." A job that even the most seasoned workhouse orphan fears the most. As she investigates the sewers looking for clogged drains, she comes across an ancient dagger that not only gives her deep sight but possesses the spirit of Tirriel, an ancient fey. Interestingly enough, Shrew, Tirriel, and her unusual dagger may be the key to preventing the entire country from plunging into total darkness.
The Shade of Highfall is such an intriguing story. The relationship Shrew develops with Tirriel as she grows into a young woman and trains to become a rogue is the most fascinating part of this adventure. I loved exploring the ancient underground city and seeing magical remnants of the fey who fled. I was thrilled for Shrew when she found out her real identity and devastated for Tirriel when we learned how her essence got trapped inside the dagger.
I have no negative things to say about this book. It was well-written with no grammatical issues. I found the story to be filled with rich lore that allowed me to understand the deep intricacies of the plot and where our characters fit into it. This is not something all fantasy authors achieve. I've had to trudge through novels that are shallow and do not properly explain why we should care. However, Mark O’Dell goes as far as to provide detailed maps, character lists, and a glossary of frequently used words that we may reference at any time.
I am giving this book four out of four stars . It was an immense joy to read, and I grew attached to all the remarkable characters that Shrew meets. Minute details such as referring to autumn as “goldfall” were creative and unique: thus, giving the story more of an ethereal, fantastical element. These tiny details that are speckled throughout the book allowed me to fully immerse myself in this exotic new world.
I would recommend this to anyone who may have enjoyed works similar to The Shannara Chronicles or appreciates the lore behind Dungeons and Dragons. There are many character classes present here that readers would recognize like rogues, warriors, healers, and wizards. There is some violence and death, but they don’t go into much detail. The profanity is kept to the absolute bare minimum. I look forward, and hope, to see more stories featuring Shrew.
******
The Shade of Highfall
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The foul smell of the Mucmarsh and grinding poverty of the Duns—located in the lower reach of Highfall— are all that our youthful heroine knows. For nearly fifteen years, Shrew has had to fight, steal, and scrounge for food to survive. After being brought to the workhouse because of stealing, she is forced to become a "gutter rat." A job that even the most seasoned workhouse orphan fears the most. As she investigates the sewers looking for clogged drains, she comes across an ancient dagger that not only gives her deep sight but possesses the spirit of Tirriel, an ancient fey. Interestingly enough, Shrew, Tirriel, and her unusual dagger may be the key to preventing the entire country from plunging into total darkness.
The Shade of Highfall is such an intriguing story. The relationship Shrew develops with Tirriel as she grows into a young woman and trains to become a rogue is the most fascinating part of this adventure. I loved exploring the ancient underground city and seeing magical remnants of the fey who fled. I was thrilled for Shrew when she found out her real identity and devastated for Tirriel when we learned how her essence got trapped inside the dagger.
I have no negative things to say about this book. It was well-written with no grammatical issues. I found the story to be filled with rich lore that allowed me to understand the deep intricacies of the plot and where our characters fit into it. This is not something all fantasy authors achieve. I've had to trudge through novels that are shallow and do not properly explain why we should care. However, Mark O’Dell goes as far as to provide detailed maps, character lists, and a glossary of frequently used words that we may reference at any time.
I am giving this book four out of four stars . It was an immense joy to read, and I grew attached to all the remarkable characters that Shrew meets. Minute details such as referring to autumn as “goldfall” were creative and unique: thus, giving the story more of an ethereal, fantastical element. These tiny details that are speckled throughout the book allowed me to fully immerse myself in this exotic new world.
I would recommend this to anyone who may have enjoyed works similar to The Shannara Chronicles or appreciates the lore behind Dungeons and Dragons. There are many character classes present here that readers would recognize like rogues, warriors, healers, and wizards. There is some violence and death, but they don’t go into much detail. The profanity is kept to the absolute bare minimum. I look forward, and hope, to see more stories featuring Shrew.
******
The Shade of Highfall
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"I want to learn everything I can, and I write down everything I see. Golly says if I want to be a writer someday, I better start now, and that is why I am a spy."
-Harriet M. Welsch (Harriet the Spy, 1996)
-Harriet M. Welsch (Harriet the Spy, 1996)
Latest Review: Twisted Threads by Kaylin McFarren
