Description
For thousands of years, the Breaker of the Dawn has been locked away in the ethereal plane of the Otherworld. Now, a young blacksmith’s apprentice finds himself trapped in a war between the noble Athrani, a subset of humanity gifted with the ability to transmute matter, and the malevolent and powerful Khyth, who seek to free the ancient god from his prison.
When his father, Olson, is kidnapped, Thornton Woods and his childhood friend, Miera, must leave their small village of Highglade to find him. On their way, they are joined by Ynara and Kethras, cat-like humanoids called Kienari, who use their skills as hunter/trackers to follow Olson’s trail. When it comes to light that one among them possesses the key to the Breaker’s release, Thornton and his friends must defy the might of the Khyth as armies on both sides collide in pursuit of the ultimate prize.
Gift of the Shaper chronicles the epic struggle between the existing forces of good and evil, with both sides vying for control of the key that unlocks the Otherworld. The very powers of creation and destruction hang in the balance, and only a heroic effort by Thornton and Miera, backed by the power of the Athrani, can possibly stop the Khyth from unleashing ruin — and the Breaker — upon their world.
Burkle
As an avid reader of fantasy, I have to say that this book is a knockout entry book into a potential series. The world and characters are rich. It’s rare for the first book from an author to be this solid through and through.
Sarah
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read (and I read A LOT). Not only is it a great story but the writing is phenomenal. It has a great pace, you won’t get bored, that is until the end which is very intense. The book provides a very smooth and adventurous introduction to this world and the members of its society. I cannot WAIT to read the rest of this series. So stop reading this review and buy the book, you won’t regret it!
Karen
Fantasy is generally not my favorite genre but this book was so good, I couldn’t put it down–by far the best I’ve ever read! Can’t wait for the next book!
Steven Tolbert
Ten out of ten. This story is engrossing from the start. You feel yourself in Thornton’s shadow as he begins his day and goes about his life. Suddenly and without remorse for your calm satisfaction in Miera’s sweet presence she and Thorton must face three bandits who announce the beginning of a harrowing journey.
You stay on Thornton’s shoulder only briefly as you shadow many characters in Derenar and Gal’Dorok alike, seeing the battle also through the brilliant rings in the eyes of the Athrani and the smoldering flames of the eyes of the Khyth.
The story stops as suddenly as it began leaving the reader eagerly anticipating a second installment in the thrilling Highglade series.
If you liked the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan then you will love the Highglade series by DL Jennings.
Beyond that if he keeps this series limited to a trilogy then he will only stop writing this series not for the lack of story remaining in Highglade but because he’s got another world he wants to introduce us to, and I for one will look forward to what he offers next either way.
Luke Newman
The Highglade series is what fantasy should be. Jennings has created a rich, layered world that readers will love to get lost in, one reminiscient of Tolkien and Lewis. The characters have depth and are well developed. The action is riveting and well paced. I can’t recommend this book enough. A must read for any fan of fantasy.
Edward Negron
I just finished GIFT OF THE SHAPER the other day and loved it. I was curious when I started it, invested in the characters midway through, and eager to know what happens next at the end. Can’t wait to get the next book.
Dave Jennings
This makes me so happy.
Thank you so much for letting me know, and I am overjoyed that GOTS has found a place in your collection!