Gift of the Shaper (Highglade Series Book 1)

This is a captivating story set outside the town of Lusk, focusing on Thornton Woods, a young blacksmith from the nearby village of Highglade. He, along with his childhood friend Miera, is hunted by the Khyth, who are enemies of the Athrani and servants of the nefarious Breaker of Dawn. Thornton is forced to abandon his ravaged home and, together with Miera and the Kienari, go on a quest to find and rescue his kidnapped father, Olson Woods, who escapes his captivity. The Khyth, who are led by D’kane, are determined to use the Shaper powers in Athrani blood to free their master from his chains and unleash chaos in the world, and therefore kidnap Miera. Tensions between the Athrani and the Khyth escalate further into war. Is there a way for the Athrani to be saved? Will Thornton rescue Miera and reunite with his father? Readers are in for an engaging and epic read! The author’s writing style is meticulous and so elegant, transporting the readers to a whimsical and fantastical world filled with mystery and adventure. Reading this book thoroughly immerses me in its picturesque sceneries, amazing plots, and unforgettable characters where magic, family, friendship, and culture are beautifully interwoven. The stories of the Anthari, the night hunters Kienari, the villainous Khyth, and the bloodthirsty Gwarai are truly unique. I admire the realistic nature in which the author depicts the cultural beliefs of the characters, as evident in the prejudice against the half-eyed Athrani and the Kierani. The character traits portrayed in this book are amazing, and this is an aspect I truly admire in this book. The mystery and culture of the Kierani, the origin of the Athrani lore, the savagery of the Khyth, and the plot twists that pluck at the emotional heartstrings of the readers are indelible. Thornton is considered a chip off the old block; he is a truly brave, strong, and honorable character, just like his father. I admire his affection for Miera, his unwavering fervor in protecting his family, as well as his sense of adventure. I truly admire Elyasha for her bravery in choosing her own fate, and joining the good guys, in her quest for freedom and justice. She is also very supportive of Thornton during Miera’s absence and helps him discover his heritage. The portrayal of Kethtras and Ynara is reminiscent of werewolves or furries. As children of nature, and having a strong connection to the Otherworld, they are excellent trackers, hunters, and guides. The origin and story of the Kiethrani are cloaked in myth and mystery by many in this storyline. As said by the High Khyth Yetz, “There are some things in this world that are older than even the Breaker.” Overall, I am impressed with the rich and compelling storyline that portrays a detailed account of Khyth Breakers and Athrani Shapers living and thriving under a subtle power struggle, with humans being caught in the middle. I also think that the ending is well-justified. A question that still lingers in my mind is as to why Lady Sera Edos prefers to serve the Khyth even though she is Athrani. I do not have any dislikes to offer about the book, nor did I encounter any grammatical errors while reading. The glossary at the end of the book is truly insightful, enabling me to gain a recap of all the characters and their roles. This book is well-written and excellently edited. I am impressed by the power, emotional intensity, and complexity in the book’s context and style, and therefore do not hesitate to rate it a perfect 5 stars. I recommend this book to young adult readers who love depictions of dark fantasy and fiction. Readers’ discretion is advised, due to the presence of violence, and gory content.