SHADOW WARS – SON OF
SHADOWS
Fantasy (Middle-grade fantasy)
AUTHOR:
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Hinako and Madaug Hishinuma
RELEASE DATE:
August 18, 2026
PUBLISHER:
Blackstone Publishing
ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798200751051
RATING:
4
AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/
Ryuichi is the son of two gods with a destiny he does not
yet understand. He is dealing with the emotional and physical aftermath of his
battle with his father. Ryuichi is not alone but joined by an unlikely group of
companions. An ancient evil creature – one with ties to his parents – threatens
both the nether and human realms. To defeat Orochi, Ryuichi will need his
father’s help, so he and his friends travel to the nether realm to find them.
Can Ryuichi unlock his true potential in time? Or will he lose far more than he
bargained for?
Since I did not read the first book, I cannot remark on Ryuichi’s growth as a character. I like that he is still plagued with doubts. Those self-doubts do cripple Ryuichi on occasion, so he is not this overly confident hero who can do everything perfectly. His companions rally around him when he needs them most. They both protect and teach Ryuichi what he needs to know about himself and his destiny.
SHADOW WARS: SON OF SHADOWS is the second and final book
in a Japanese fantasy-adventure duology by Sherrilyn Kenyon and
husband-and-wife team Hinako and MaDaug Hishinuma (fyi – MaDaug is Sherrilyn’s
son). I have not read the first book, but I was still able to follow the story
without any problems. I could tell that I had missed out on some important
worldbuilding and background information. I do recommend starting with the
first book to better understand the overall picture.
I noticed that the writing’s tone differed from
Sherrilyn’s paranormal and historical works. There is no romance (well there is
but it was secondary, minuscule in nature)– or steamy sex scenes. Yes, there
are some witty funny parts, but they pale in comparison to her other books.
Perhaps that is Sherrilyn’s co-authors’ influence – not that I am complaining.
It worked with the story’s setting.
Fans of Japanese lore and mythology will enjoy this
series. Oni, yokai, kitsune, and Shinigami are but some of the creatures that
are in this book. There were some Japanese terms that I recognized and some
that I had to look up. I felt they strengthened the atmosphere of the time
period and setting.
The duology’s vibe reminds me of Forgotten Realms’ LEGEND
OF THE FIVE RINGS: CLAN WARS. I have not read that series since a friend introduced
it to me in 2000. Sadly, I did not finish it. I may even own a few of the books
(they are put away in totes).
