by The WandererAuthor: Django Wexler
Publisher: Roc
Genre: Flintlock Fantasy, Military Fantasy
Series: The Shadow Campaigns Book Two
Pages: 498
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(Spoilers for The Thousand Names are below).
The Thousand Names was a well written debut. However there were issues with the plot, which could get really predictable, and Jen Alhundt’s short-lived relationship with Marcus came across as unbelievable. With a predictable plot, there’s not always a whole lot of motivation to dig into a sequel by that author, but Django Wexler’s three main characters – Winter, Janus, and Marcus – were strong enough to see the story to an enjoyable conclusion, plus all the historical and military details established a well thought out world.
Most second books in a fantasy series tend to struggle, too, but I decided to plow ahead with reading this sequel. Thankfully … Django Wexler delivers. Everything about The Shadow Throne is better than The Thousand Names. The character development, the plots, the social relevance, the historical details, the worldbuilding, the exploitation of the magic system, all of it.
