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Play of Shadows

By: Sebastien de Castell
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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Summary

Swordplay, magic, intrigue and friendships stronger than iron: the first volume in the new swashbuckling fantasy series set in the universe of THE GREATCOATS.

Damelas Chademantaigne picked a poor night to flee a judicial duel.

He has precious little hope of escaping the wrath of the Vixen, the most feared duellist in the entire city, until he stumbles through the stage doors of the magnificent Operato Belleza and tricks his way into the company of actors. An archaic law provides a temporary respite from his troubles - until one night a ghostly voice in his head causes Damelas to fumble his lines, inadvertently blurting out a dreadful truth: the city's most legendary hero may actually be a traitor and a brutal murderer.

With only the help of his boisterous and lusty friend Bereto, a beautiful assassin whose target may well be Damelas himself, and a company of misfit actors who'd just as soon see him dead, this failed grandson of two Greatcoats must somehow find within himself the courage to dig up long-buried truths before a ruthless band of bravos known as the Iron Orchids come for his head.

Oh, and there's still that matter of the Vixen waiting to duel him . . .
©2021 Sebastien de Castell (P)2021 Quercus Editions Limited
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More please

I’m only just a little way in and I had to stop and do this review. I am just absolutely in love with these characters, the land of Tristia and Sebastiens style of writing. The first set of books were phenomenal and this next batch so far as just as good. I want to know more of Tristia and the people, the stories. I love the greatcoats theme but it’s more than that it’s the whole setting. I can’t wait to see where this all goes. Also Joes narration as per normal is exceptional, wouldn’t be the same if someone else was narrating. Not to add to the pressure but as the title suggests..more please!

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Is it Greatcoats? Maybe. Is it amazing? Definatly.

Swashbuckling, Debonair and Dashing adventures of a new favourite set of very human cast, as they work there way through conspiracy, romance, and a sense of genuine danger. This is the usual for de Castells books, but Play of Shadows stands out for me thanks to the genuine sense of love for actors, the stage and the characters. Play of Shadows had my rapt attention, deeply invested in not just how but if our protagonists could decipher an ancient plot.

The magic felt deeply magical, with a focus on the power of peoples belief and skills. Characters felt strong and so very human, and as ever, inspiring to bring some of the Romance that guides a lot of there characters into your own life. When tragedy does strike, the writing makes you feel it and it creates a sense of stakes I don't find in many other fantasy books.

Joe Jameson seems to have a wail of a time showing off his talent, enjoying the comedy, infusing warmth and humanity into the characters - and selling the drama too! At one point, we even get to hear his singing talent, and whilst brief, the little section is buried in my head.

Would heartily recommend, can't wait for more. When people ask me for recommendations, I can't shut up about suggesting this series (Would heartily recommend the prequel too, though is tangentially relevant it's an amazing book in it self.)

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Love the stories of the Greatcoats

Excellent and fun story brought to life by excellent narration. A Welcome addition to the Greatcoats’ stories.

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