The Shadow of What Was Lost | Book 1 of the Licanius Trilogy | Non-Spoiler Book Review

Let's talk Licanius! This is a quick review on the first book of the Licanius trilogy called The Shadow of What Was Lost, by James Islington. I touch on a bit of the world and provide the setup, and discuss all the of the things I enjoyed, and the few that I didn't. Have you read this? Planning to???
Timestamps:
0:00 | Start
0:20 | Preface
1:39 | Background of World and Magic System
3:49 | Spoiler free plot overview
4:21 | What I liked
8:19 | Gripes
8:48 | Rating
9:39 | Final thoughts
9:56 | Who will like this book??
11:03 | Wrap Up
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INTRO
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OUTRO
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#licanius #shadowofwhatwaslost #jamesislington

[@RekindledReader]

Male sure you subscribe and WATCH MY previous GIVEAWAY VIDEO!

[@TheHikingReader]

I love the line "People who like stories with characters who don't suck" will like this one! But honestly you already know I enjoy this series from comments on another video. I'm glad you enjoyed it too. The series was one of my favorites of 2021 overall.

[@RekindledReader]

Yes!!! Haha thank you. I think, if all goes well with book 2...and the conclusion lands, this could be a favourite of mine as well!

[@Johanna_reads]

Great review! This trilogy gets recommended to me a lot because I love time travel. Great to hear your thoughts on the hard magic and how the multiple-POV approach kept you engaged. Letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding is pretty familiar in so many stories these days, but "he wiped away tears he didn't know he was crying" is hilarious! 😂

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks Johanna! If you like playing with timelines, you're in for a treat. Yes that line was...a little...much. One of the repeating lines I forgot to mention was they walked/sat in "companionable silence"... I read that maybe 5 times haha.

[@Johanna_reads]

@@RekindledReader Oh no! The writing style is one of the main reasons I've been uncertain about picking up the trilogy. Another friend of mine reviewed it and said there were repetitive lines about "gazing," which made the writing sound a little artificial or stilted. I still might give it a try at some point though, and I appreciate hearing your endorsement!

[@Raechill92]

Enjoyed your review structure and thoughts! I’m considering reading this series, but have several in front of it if I do.

[@RekindledReader]

Yes, ever the long list!

[@RodgersReads]

I've been thinking of checking out Licanius...maybe one of these days lol.

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

Also I found your channel through Vadania Silverscribe tagging you in her contradictions book tag video - just because it's fun to know how subscribers find you.

[@RekindledReader]

Thank you so much! Checking to see if you have a channel right away. Thanks for hanging out, it is always fun to know how people find you!

[@JAKandtheBookStack]

This is the type of fantasy book that intimidates me, thanks for breaking it down!

[@RekindledReader]

For this particular one, I can absolutely see why. I think I'll do a final thoughts video on the whole trilogy when I'm done and providing a bit more insight on how to enjoy it, and who it probably won't click with.

[@BoiledJellyfishReads]

What a deadly review video! I got this book on my shelf for some time now and this review really helped out. Thanks!

[@RekindledReader]

So happy this helped!! Thanks for stopping by!!!

[@esmayrosalyne]

This was an excellent review, I loved hearing your thoughts!! 🤩 I read this book last year during a busy and hectic time in my life and I honestly think that hurt my reading experience a bit. The story starts out pretty simple and seems familiar, but wow... does this series get complex, it's definitely one that requires your attention. That said, it's super interesting and unique, I was really surprised by some of the revelations and all the twists and turns in the plot. Also, definitely a good plan to read these books as close together as possible, because I personally left too long in between instalments and that really wasn't the best choice... I still liked the series overall, but I think I will love it way more on a reread someday. Hope you will have a great time with the next two books, I can't wait to hear your thoughts on those ☺Enjoy!!

[@RekindledReader]

Amazing response, I totally agree - the twists and revelations are done fairly well I think. You're also right in that, this isn't necessarily a "sit back, cruise control" type of series. I'm definitely going to be paying attention with the next 2 to make sure I get the most from them. I'll have to do a final thoughts on the trilogy as a whole... Thanks again, Esmay!!!

[@RedFuryBooks]

Great review! I’ll wait until you finish the series to add it to my TBR, but this sounds like something I might like. And I bet this video puts you over 100 subs, so congrats!

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Josh! Yes I might to a review for the trilogy as a whole; I do wonder if it will continue to work for me :)

[@distilledreads]

Not me doubting how I’ve been pronouncing this book now. 😂 Really, really great informative review! Definitely agree that some of the cheesy lines were a bit cringe, but, if I recall correctly, I think that improves in A Echo of Things to Come. I definitely remember seeing Islington’s writing improve.

[@RekindledReader]

Ah thank you! That's great to hear haha.

[@tannibal]

I have this book series in my TBR unsure when I’ll get to it but solid video review.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Timothy! I loved it, but it's an ambitious start. I'll probably review the trilogy once I finish - hopefully it works out and sticks the landing!

[@BookishChas]

This has been on my list forever, and I hear mixed reviews, but I really got a lot out of yours. I think I’ll definitely read it.

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks, Chas - that makes me happy 🙏🏻

[@RJTriesToRead]

Hey man, really enjoyed the review! I reread this book recently and I loved it more the second time around, I’m hoping to get to book 2&3 in the coming weeks.

[@RekindledReader]

Wow, thanks RJ! Sounds like we will be reading those around the same time! I appreciate the content you're making in your channel, and am grateful for your kind words about mine :)

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

I am so excited for this - regardless what your thoughts end up being. I love seeing people talk about this trilogy as it deserves more love. The plot of this whole series is incredible and I love it. All 3 need to he read no more than a month apart though or rereading is necessary 😆🤣

[@RekindledReader]

I'm going to be starting the second book probably in a day or so. I hope it really keeps it some momentum with me because I know it's divisive. I think I'll probably be in the camp of people thinking it's very underrated because the first one knocked my socks off!

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

@@RekindledReader yay, my fingers are crossed for you that it lives up to your expectation, but I feel if you enjoyed the first one you will love the 2nd! Enjoy 📚💜

[@RekindledReader]

0:00 0:20 - Preface 1:39 - Background of World and Magic System 3:49 - Spoiler free plot overview 4:21 - What I liked 8:19 - Gripes 8:48 - Rating 9:39 - Final thoughts 9:56 - Who will like this book?? 11:03 - Wrap up

[@RekindledReader]

@@hobbitholebooks832 I believe I did. Sometimes it takes a while to load them.

[@RekindledReader]

@@hobbitholebooks832 ah finally!

[@angelamccollister]

I have read both Licanius and WoT. While I kind-of see where people compare them, I really don't think they are that similar. Licanius gets better with each book. It's one of my favorites.

[@RekindledReader]

I'm really enjoying the series so far.

[@safinan8008]

Hi 👋 I’m from uk 🇬🇧 from small city of Robin Hood nottingham.... I really like this book too. I like adult fantasy books! Happy reading to you!! 😊🎥

[@RekindledReader]

Thanks Safina!!!

[@RekindledReader]

Also, my wife is English (her whole family though she was born here in Canada 🤓 )

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

Great review - I looked like a nodding dog watching this! Such a hard book to talk about because of not spoiling things. Def agree with pacing, I really like how intriguing things, such as Weir's Secret were dealt with a lot quicker abd it could have been dragged out. What I really appreciated is how we were given the pay off with those reveals, bit the reveal gave rise to further questions 😆 Will be looking out fir your thoughts on the next two. This was a 4* for me but the next two solid 5* from a master storyteller! 💜📚

[@RekindledReader]

Yes 100%! I'm so glad you agree and that you even watched haha. I'm reading Book 2 now and loving it. Thanks so much for being here :)

[@ChattieTheMadChatter]

@@RekindledReader so pleased you are loving it so far 😃 so excited for your thoughts!

[@dinocollins720]

You might have convinced me to read it already lol

[@RekindledReader]

Nice!

[@jamesmccullough1162]

I DNF’d this book last year after a few plot issues or situations in the book (well, really one in particular) that just made me feel like the author wasn’t a very capable writer. I didn’t realize until recently that this was a debut, and so now I’m thinking I might have been a little too hard on it. Maybe I’ll have to give it another shot! Great review, Theo! *edit for grammar and spelling

[@RekindledReader]

Yeah I definitely went in with "debut" expectations, and my rating reflects the ambition, for sure. I can understand that for many, this simply won't click. Thanks for watching!!