This was a hard book to begin reading by itself. I would imagine reading it in the correct order in the series (this is book 8) would be much better. That being said, Guardians of Shadow is a fantastic story set in space. Ethical questions such as: ‘Simply because we have the power to destroy another living sentient race, should we?’ and more are asked and explored within the story, taking our heroes on a perilous journey full of wonder, excitement and thrilling action.
Terr, the main character wields the hand of Death, a tremendously powerful weapon that can destroy a spaceship quickly and completely, but he struggles to find balance with his power and how to consolidate it in his relationship with Teena. She is kidnapped by the Krans while out on a cultural exchange mission, and he sets out on a dangerous quest to rescue her deep within Kran space.
Ultimately, I would recommend purchasing the previous books in this series since the writing is superb, but with having the foreknowledge of what led up to the events in Guardians of Shadow, it would be more enjoyable.
J. Armstrong, June 27
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