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Forget What You Heard. The Shadow Of What Was Lost by James Islington Was Phenomenal.
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- Опубликовано: 23 авг 2020
- Mike gives an impromptu and unprepared review for the first book in James Islington's Licanius trilogy, The Shadow of What Was Lost.
You can purchase Licanius #1 here: amzn.to/368mMhU (physical) amzn.to/3a3kvpF (digital) amzn.to/3okT000 (audio)
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#MikesBookReviews #Licanius #JamesIslington
Hey bookworms! This review was so unplanned and thrown together at the last minute I didn't even realize I still had my reading glasses on. But I hope my enthusiasm for this read still comes through.
all of my videos are unplanned
@@B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS I mean, for the most part mine are, too. I don't use a script or anything. Just a handful of bullet points so I don't forget to bring up certain points I want to talk about. Whereas this one, I didn't even have it scheduled to review so I barely even had that. I really just wanted to address the bullshit "fake Wheel of Time" claims. This was my excuse.
I like your glasses. You look like a true bookworm!
You're the biggest influence of BookTubers on my TBR. You're the reason it grows rather than shrinks. My purse doesn't like you, Mike 😡
Glad you enjoyed it I have the first 2 books and am waiting for the third to be released in paperback. Your enthusiasm for it has me pumped to start it
The names of the books themselves are screaming to me to read them.
I won't lie...the covers are what made me interested at first.
Yessss! That three trial was INCREDIBLE! And I completely agree with you regarding that Mistborn comparison. Islington definitely took the storytelling (foreshadowing & plot twists; you'll see more in the next two books) style from Mistborn but his story is his own. Also, his writing constantly gets better with each book. I really don't see how this series copycats Wheel of Time, tbh. There is spotted inspirations in his writing, but Licanius is definitely original imo.
It's amazing how this series constantly left me guessing throughout the whole trilogy. I'm curious to see what you think of regarding the escalation of the complexity of the story in the next two books. Like you, I think that the flashbacks are THE best part of the series for me, and you'll get a lot of them in the next two books. Enjoy! (Clearly, i'm super excited about this series, too hahaha!)
So, you get that whammy in the epilogue of book 1 and you're like OMG. Then you get a "not so fast, my friend" in the prologue of book 2. This dude is playing with my emotions. In a good way! Thanks, as always, for the stellar recommendation.
Islington is very underrated. If you are so impressed by book 1, wait till you read the next 2 books. The series also has probably the greatest epilogue/ending I've ever read in my life. Masterfully done.
!!!
Mike, one of the best aspects of this trilogy are the Epilogues for each book. Literally the best three Epilogues I’ve probably ever read.
Also, on the ‘shallow’ character complaint, I will say that I think a few of the MC’s could be a bit more complex, BUT - Caedan, man. MY GOD is Caedan an incredible character.
Great thoughts, can’t wait for more!
I agree Caeden was such an interesting character! The three kids, while likable were definitely not the most complex. I was rooting for them, but Asha in particular I felt was way too overpowered.
Caeden is definitely the chapters that have me lost in thought after reading them.
The second book is even better, his character development improved. You’ll also have a lot more questions answered. I really enjoyed the second book and the ending was a wow! moment for me.
I'm enjoying it thus far.
YAY! I'm so glad you liked it. I can't wait for you to read the other two. The magic system just gets cooler and cooler.
I'm loving book 2 so far.
Nothing brings a book closer to the top of my to be read pile quicker then another’s sheer enthusiasm for having read the book and recommending it. Thanks Mike.
Happy to help!
The Three Trials story still sits at the edge of my mind even to this day. It's a bittersweet thing to behold.
Hey, stranger! Haven't seen you in awhile. Hope things are well.
@@mikesbookreviews I'm hanging in there...insert hanging cat gif here.
Been in the Discord more often than not. Fun place.
I remember recommending the caravan app to you for the rage of Dragons read along and in mere hours you and Discord and caravan were up and running swimmingly. I'm super informed and entertained by you and your channel. Thanks Mike 😀
I'm looking forward to more cosmere 2020 content.
Loving the channel upgrades and looking forward to whatever comes next.
Mike is back.... back again.... welcome back.... Mike
This was an excellent review! I love how you described not only the book itself but how it reads as well. In plain and personal language. I’ve tried watching a few reviews about this series and kept being slapped in the face by Wheel of Time biases. I’ve never read Wheel of Time and could feel the unwarranted disdain in every review. Like a bunch of popular kids picking on the outcast who they assume reveres and wants to be just like them. - You gained a subscriber.
First thought? That’s a COOL looking map. I’m a sucker for a good map.
Michael Kramer does the audiobook. Genius move for Islington. He also did Wheel of Time and Stormlight Archive and Mistborn.
I couldn't stand him for Mistborn. Elend sounded like a regal middle aged man of wisdom and Vin sounded ridiculous to me. Not saying he's a bad reader, but I didn't like the direction it was taken.
So I've been told.
Your enthusiasm makes me consider giving this one another read to see if I'll like it more. Like I said before, I didn't dislike it, it just wasn't something I was eager to continue with. Maybe I'll pick it up again and see if I can see it the way you do.
Maybe having my expectations set a little low helped? Not sure. I was blown away how much I liked it.
sometimes I like to watch you talk about books more than I wanna read them! thank you for making videos during this crazy time and keeping the book community talking!
So glad you're enjoying the series so far. I would describe it as a very satisfying read, and the next two books are even better. Another one that would make a great tv series (along with FATF and Greatcoats)
It feels very cinematic in my mind. That's why I think I compare it to Sanderson, as that's how I feel when I read a Cosmere book.
WIRR like BEER. Oh yeah Caden turns into my fav. In time you will see why. It's more complex and has one of the best endings I have ever read.
I'm about 30% into book 2 and I think Caeden might be one of the most layered fantasy characters I've ever read.
@@mikesbookreviews He's probably my fav Fantasy character of all time.
"If you like era Mistborn one, you'll be right at home here" *purchase's book*
You'll dig it.
I feel like most other reviews nag on this series. Im so happy to see a review like this. I so completely agree with MIke!
That intro....11/10! :D
This book was so intriguing! I really love how it had such an ominous atmosphere to it. I had actually read this before The Eye of the World, and when I got to the Wheel of Time, I was like I can see where Islington got his inspiration. But it's more paying homage rather than ripping off, which is exactly what Robert Jordan did too. This trilogy is actually pretty original. I feel it's really underrated, and I don't really get the criticisms. Yeah, the characters aren't the absolute best, but it is his first book. The mystery and the magic system were amazing! I can't wait for you to finish the whole series!
As much as it seems to be hated on booktube, I was expecting something of a Terry Brooks/Lord of the Rings level of derivative. So I was pleasantly surprised to see it be pretty unique.
I'm a huge fan of WOT but loved the this trilogy! Book 2 was great but the ending shook me but man did Islington do a great job wrapping things up. Great series
I've heard the epilogues in all 3 books are amazing.
@@mikesbookreviews yeah definitely are, i really enjoyed this series, some people habe a hard time with the time travel in it but honestly the way he wove it all together really felt satisfying to me and less a "convenient tool". Hope you enjoy the rest. I'm anxious to see if you hold your schedule and wait to read book 3 or not after the book 2 epilogue
Fantastic review! I have only read the first book but it was a while ago. Picking it all up now for an epic read for the later part of the year. I do agree with how good the first book is, it's something pretty special.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for this review!!! It is the first time I was nodding in agreement with your points! I have been reading it with a lot of enthusiasm (and addiction), your review was very fair! Thank you :)
Dude, this bumped way up my TBR after this video
Then I hope you feel similarly ha ha
You sure sold me on this trilogy...when I can fit it in...lol
I didn't have room for it, either ha ha. I had to cut some things out of the 2020 plans.
Haha! I JUST finished this book last night, and I totally agree with you on the epilogue! I went from "I really like this book" to "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" I was planning on spacing this series out over 3 months, but now I need to read it ASAP!
"One more chapter!" Story of my life! Great video, thanks Mike!
You bet!
"I had no plans to read or review" what is honestly one of the best trilogies of the decade. Featuring time travel done to absolute perfection, which happens never. Islington is in my top 5 author's right now. Book 3 was a near masterpiece.
I’m gonna start this tonight. I picked it up yesterday. Glad you liked it and compared it to sanderson’s writing I’m now pumped!
Here from your "If You Loved That...Try This Next" video. Both are great videos.
Thanks Mike, I have the second book (booksale) and was eyeing this book for a while, I think I am going to bump this up in my TBR.
As always, I appreciate and enjoy your reviews, keep it up (and congrats on the 20k subs! On to 50k mate!!!)
Thanks! I'm still stunned this many folks are interested in my book opinions. But I'm grateful for the conversation.
You are right in saying that this is approachable - it was my first fantasy series! Hope to read a lot more now.
So glad you liked it! I can’t wait for your reviews of book 2 and 3 (if you do them). Also, it’s nice that you take the time to interact with people in the comments.
The feedback seems to be large enough that I might do individual reviews for the sequels, too.
A coworker of mine has been telling me to pick that series up, and now that I see your enthusiasm I just might do it! I'm in the middle of Hero of Ages and loving Mistborn so far, so according to you too I would probably love this as well.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, I'll definitely make some TBR adjustments. 🙂
It really exceeded my expectations.
Definitely reading this now! Thanks Mike!
Hope you enjoy it!
As someone else who enjoyed this I am glad to see you enjoy it too! Can't wait until you finish the third!
Can't wait!
Booktubers are generally either meh or harsh on these books. I'm pleasantly surprised you aren't. Even I'm critical of how nothing ever phases Davian. There's an in-world explanation for why that you are alluded to in the third book, maybe the second - I read them so fast I'm mixing them up sometimes. Agreed, Kayden's power creep was very quick. Once you learn more about him it makes sense. This book is the first time I read a story where a character mingles with the protagonist as two different people in two different timelines. The amnesia trope is very well done here. Ashe is best girl. Wirr's sister was great as well, I enjoyed reading about her and Kayden. Thanks Mike you are tempting me for another reread. 👍😃
John Flemings Spoilers? I can’t remember when some of that gets revealed.
Yes!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!!! Is just so good!! Book 2 is fantastic, the ending is just...just... *chef kiss*
I was really nervous starting this book since it was my first epic high fantasy and was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to follow. And like you mentioned I was definitely worried about the size of it but I also flew through it in a week, the plot twists were honestly surprising where most of the times with other books I find them to be okay. highly recommend to anyone tryna get into this genre
Damn it! I took this series off of my 2021 TBR but it may have to be put back in! 😂
Also I started Promise of Blood, Powder Mage book 1 this week. And it has the same feel as Mistborn in terms of characters, world, and magic system. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into fantasy as well.
It was on 2021 but I just knew once I started Malazan I wasn't going to want any other series with this many characters.
Wow u read this book quick!! 😊😊😊😊 it’s one of my favourite series!!! Keep safe great video!!
I couldn't put it down.
I've read the first two books. This guy is a good author. I didn't expect much going in but it's one of those stories that makes me want to revisit. I'll read the third very soon. Islington is young too. I think he has a bright future.
By the way, I recently found your channel. I've watched five or six of your videos so far. I have similar tastes and am glad to subscribe. I'm in Texas as well. Near Waco. Good channel you have here!
Thanks for coming on board! I very much look forward to what Islington does next.
Thanks for this review. I just started this book and I wanted to make sure I wasn’t wasting my time. I have been trying to find a good new fantasy series to get into.
You mentioned wanting to read a history book of this world, well in book 2 you will have your wish!!
Excellent.
Sanderson is easily my favourite author and I really can't see why people would not like another authors book just because it's compared to their work. If anything if it's like sanderson count me in. Can't wait to read it.
I think if folks don't expect him to be as strong of a writer as Brandon, they'll find plenty to love here.
@@mikesbookreviews still baffles me the way the general public act somtimes. Everyone has to start as a beginner. But your review might not of been planned but it was great and honest as always.
great review and pitch for the book. I think I am going to wait until you finish the series before I jump in. I want to know if it has a good pay off.
Sounds like a good choice.
I love WoT...and I loved this trilogy. People are weird. You can love more than one book, lol.
Right? It's so weird.
I really enjoyed the book. Good review!
I'm feeling very confident about cracking open this book now.
Hope you enjoy it!
amazing book, flew through it and am now rereading so I can get to book 3
The series is on my To Read list. That list is bigger than my Have Read list, so when I get to it is unclear. This year is full enough for me.
Still, I might have to get to it sooner than later based on your review.
I agree that this is an excellent series to dip your toes into epic fantasy! Glad you liked it.
A fantastic place for newer epic fantasy readers to begin.
You read in 6 I finished in 2 days. Also, I completely agree that this was fast paced and enjoyed it and you find all the answers for all the questions you look forward to in this book.
So glad you’re enjoying the series so far. Sorry to break it to you, but yeah... you’re not going to want to take a break between books two and three 🙃
Ha ha so I hear.
Just finished the first one and thoroughly enjoyed it !
Yay, you loved it. Awesome. It did remind me a bit of WOT, though I hadn't been aware that it's constantly being compared to WOT going into it. I went into it completely blind, ha! Anyway, the epilogue was pretty mindblowing, yes. Re the characters: Yeah they didn't have as loud(?) a personality as, say, an Abercrombie or Weeks character, but I never thought of them as 'not deep', nor their reactions 'illogical'... well,, okay except maybe that one time haha. Shrugs. The titles of each book in the series were really pretty, too, imo. Hehe. Can't wait for your review of the next book.
I had a couple of "what are you thinking?" moments with some of their choices, but who doesn't have those moments as teenagers?
Loved the first book. Only saw negative reviews from other youtubers but it is a very captivating and fun read.
I don’t get the groupthink from larger booktubers on this one. It’s almost like they had a Zoom meeting to discuss what they were going to say on it. A very underrated series.
You look great with the beard my man!
Oh, thanks. I decided to embrace the apocalypse hair/beard.
I'm really excited for the second book review (no spoilers here). I really think it's one of the best second books in any trilogy, specifically because of the pacing. Whether WoT comparisons make sense or not, since people always do compare Licanius to WoT, imagine Robert Jordan writing this story. How many volumes would it take him to get out the information that Islington packed into book 2? 6? 7? I mean, at least 3 or 4.
I found the trilogy at the library, snatched them right up and if I love them (which I'm pretty sure I will) I'll be buying them and adding them to my fantasy book collection
Hope you enjoy it!
Great review. I’ve read the first two and was planning to reread (forgotten many details) them to finish the series in January but you might have moved my Timeline up! I just need to know the ending.
I'm excited to get there. I have so many questions.
This was the first real adult fantasy book I read and this actually led me into mistborn😂, so I didn't even see any similarities
Yeah, I don't get the Mistborn or Wheel of Time comparison at all.
Mistborn was adult? I found it painfully YA
I'm so happy you liked it! Despite the "all over the place-ness" of the review, I think your feelings and thoughts on the book came across very clearly. Mind if I ask, at this point, do you have a favourite character or storyline?
Caeden's backstory/mystery, for sure.
This book completely shocked me, never have I been so sucked into a book like this, this might just start my travels into reading aggressively again, gonna finish the trilogy and then I’ll try some Brandon Sanderson I think, any recommendations for how to start with Sanderson
Talking about good and evil -- Beard appears outta nowhere!
Ha. Trying to get past "ugly beard phase." Not sure it'll ever come.
Thanks for the review! I’ve been thoroughly enjoying these books. My only pet peeve is Islington’s over use of the phrase: “incline his/her head.” By the end of the first book, it was really bothering me. Nevertheless, story is great. The set up for the larger events and story is amazing. Very excited to finish the trilogy.
Ha ha I didn’t even notice.
The story with the three tirals really blew my mind it was soo good
It really was.
I saw Motley Crue in '87. Their opening act was Guns and Roses! How about that?
Nice!
Just ordered! Book has been on my TBR, but the chunky part of the book has been intimidating.
Great review and I love when you debunk the haters who compare everything to everything else. My wife got me this book and I just haven't had the willpower to add it to my TBR, but after your review, I may have to. I love long, LEAN books without a bunch of bloat. Can you say why it's called "Licanius"?
I was expecting to be like "yeah, I can see their criticisms," but it really makes me wonder if we read the same book.
I just finished it last night. I liked it, but probably not as much as you. Definitely worth finishing the series tho. After I'm going to read the Ash and Sand trilogy (another Petrik favorite). I'll report back LOL
Is that the Richard Nell series? He's supposed to be sending me book 1 for a review.
@@mikesbookreviews Sure is! Glad to hear it. I'm starting it up after Islington.
I feel this was the best of the three. I loved it and was so excited to start the second one but it dwindled part way through for me, and it took me months to finish book 3.
Edit: I got my ereader all prepped with Malazan, getting closer every day. :)
Yeah, I wanted to get this series in prior to Malazan. I'll need all my mental capacity for a large character roster then.
I'm only like 100 pages in. I have to finish foundryside first but I will get there mark my words!
You won't regret it.
The only thing that kept me from reading this series was it being compared to being like WoT when I hadn't read it yet. Seems like it's really not too similar so I may have to knock this up on my priority!
I really don't get the comparisons at all.
I’m fucking ecstatic that you liked it!!!😆
I like your enthusiasm.
great book i love book 1 i have not read book 2 or 3 yet but book 1 was awesome
Like you, I smashed through the first book. There were times when I thought the location and character names were very WOT but overall the story feels more like anime to me and that’s not a criticism
Very anime. Similar in that way to Stormlight.
Mike's Book Reviews the only way I can picture Stormlight is as an epic anime
To bring that to life via live action would probably the most expensive movie in history !!
This is exactly what I was looking for. I feel like it gets so much hate from the WoT community and wanted to know why.
I just purchased this book so I’ll be diving in next month. Thanks for this.
Yeah, it's so weird. There are series that are straight WoT rips that don't get the reaction this one does. So strange.
I'll get to this one day...
Yeah, that's what I kept saying. Finally just said screw it and went for it.
I listened to this book 2 years ago and I remember **nothing** about it. I'm not sure how I listened to a Michael Kramer narrated book and retained zero memory of it. :c
I don't remember what I did yesterday. But I'm old.
@@mikesbookreviews Sometimes I forget how old I am and have to count from my birth year. I know the feel.
I've never understood the Wheel of Time comparison either...
Makes me wonder if reviewers actually read it.
Is that the Aeronauts Windlass up there on the shelf forward facing?
I SOOOOO wished he would have done more with the 3 trials story...
It was sooooooooooooo good.
I was iffy about it but now I’m headed to amazon to order
Enjoy!
One quick suggestion - the little excerpt reading sound balance seems a little off with the background music louder than your reading. Just noted that for this video only - not sure if you did anything different here!
I apologize if you’ve already answered this but I was wondering, how violent does this book get? And are the violent scenes consistent or easy to skip over? Thx!
I listened to over 80 percent on audio and it was difficult to follow....but I kept pushing through despite not really feeling grounded in what any of the character's goals are. But, hearing this, I'll go back and get the ebook and see if it sticks better....LOL
I’m a wheel of time & Sanderson fan. I’ve read the whole Licanius Trilogy, I loved it, it didn’t stick into my mind as easily as RJ or BS, so had to look at the description to remind myself of it. But I’ve read about 300 books 2019-20 so can get a bit confused what’s happened in a specific series. It’s the same with the greatcloaks series, that I always think is the grey cloaks series. But I’ve so many fantasy series going round in my head I often mix plots up between them in my head. I often stick part of Belgariad (where they end up on an island of knights) into another series I’ve read, just as 1 example, it’s the downside of reading predominantly fantasy fiction for 40yrs 😂 (plus old age I suppose)
I won’t spoil anything for you Mike
I agree this could be from the cosmere universe, which is no bad thing. I was a little disappointed with 1 part of the last book, but there were enough twists & turns in each book to keep me hooked. If anything the part I disliked was possibly a bit rushed, but hey he probably didn’t have any room to add more.
You make my reading speed seem glacial.
Mike's Book Reviews it helps to be disabled with a lot of hospital appointments last year & pre pandemic this year. Plus I often have the books on multiple formats, so I can read the book at home then switch to the audiobook to travel then either catchup to same point on my kindle with the sync feature or carryon with the audiobook whilst I wait in hospital (too heavy to often take the physical book with me, on the train or in a backpack). You probably read faster than me, I just have more hours free to read 👍
Can you give us a spoiler section on these reviews Mike? Really enjoy your work but would love a spoiler discussion even if its short.
I usually do at the end, I just didn't for this one because as I said I didn't even plan to review it and did this on the fly. I'll do a spoiler one for the trilogy when I'm done.
@@mikesbookreviews thanks dude always appreciate it . While i disagree with you more often than other booktubers i always like/upvote your vids because your opinion is always valid and supported and never comes from a place of ego. Why there is ego in this community i dont understand. Regardless thanks for all the hard work.
Love this book and great review as always. But, I still cannot get how you think Sanderson can write better than this guy. I just don't get it, lol. The prose is some of the best I have ever read in this book. Anyway, to each his own, my friend. We all have our own opinions.
That epilogue was so wild to me! I completely didn't see it coming and it made the book so much better for me immediately. I think the book had its flaws, but I enjoyed it so much! Book 2 was great, too!
Yeah, on a re-read this would be wild.
Now you've messed up my TBR!
Ha ha, it's worth it.
@@mikesbookreviews you made a good case for it so now it's worked it's way into this years list. Sound right up my alley.
I'm subscribing just to see your review when you finish the trilogy. Spoiler...its awesome.
Welcome aboard!
You: This guy is like Brandon Sanderson - Me: Run for the hills ;) :P
Agreed
I'm totally lost on this book. I'm in book 2 and I'm inundated with so many names of people, places and things. I have a threadbare concept of what is going on. There are no resources online for this book.
I’m 350 pages in I’ve owned the book for 48 hours I can’t put it down it’s an addicting read
The best books for me are the ones that make me go....One more chapter, no, ok, one more chapter...no, no...one more....
That happened non-stop for me in this.
I liked your video more than the book itself, which i found unispiring :D
Ha, thanks. Bummer you didn't dig it.
@@mikesbookreviews on the plus side I spent the money I would have spent on old Guy Gavriel Kay Fionavar books... so, not all evil comes to harm.
You talk about wanting to know more about the history... keep reading, this trilogy really surprised me.
HYYYYYYYPE!
Oh man you just reminded me of the book 2 epilogue. 😳
great review Mike. sounds like it's a great book and now i'm intrigued so i've added it to my amazon cart.
Hope you enjoy it!