Review: Shades of Black 1: In Darkness Cast by Jonathan Shuerger

Author Jonathan Shuerger drops a fantasy bombshell of epic proportions with In Darkness Cast, the first book in the Shades of Black series. Armed with a spiraling, action-driven plot, wickedly entertaining characters and bloodthirsty prose, this ambitious novel hums with sinister intent.

Throughout the novel, the author explores traditional fantasy themes of the hero’s journey, painful self-revelation, as well as the changing faces of friend and foe alike. The immersive nature of the writing and the impossibly high stakes of the story make it impossible to put this book down in the middle of a chapter.

The relationship between Gideon – a young and ambitious champion of the Light – and Ashkelon – an ancient force of malevolent cruelty and terror – is central to the plot, and puts a fascinating twist on a common fantasy trope. The dystopian student-master dynamic is taut with tension and expectation, like a storm perpetually brewing on the horizon. Along Gideon’s bildungsroman road are countless battles and betrayals, trials and traps, and a surging sense of cosmic significance – the stuff of gods and angels and the end of days.

The writing is savage, as are the intense action sequences, holding nothing back in terms of gore and visceral descriptions. The combination of the author’s military expertise and clear skill as a writer make certain scenes gruesome in a way that sends shivers, but is undeniably vivid and powerful. Transforming battlefield experience and raw militaristic energy into engaging prose is no easy task, but Shuerger makes a compelling effort. There is also a font of creativity and world-building on display of unique cultures and military strategies, magical rules, and intertwined expositional histories that would earn praise from Robert Jordan and Terry Goodkind.

There is no lack of hell-raising action from chapter to chapter, but deep philosophical questions are also posed in the prose; these moral dilemmas centered on duty and loyalty are as relevant to Gideon and Ashkelon as they are to modern readers. In addition to challenging readers and forcing them to think, there are also lighthearted exchanges, humorous banter, and clever turns of phrase that give the story a more balanced, natural, and organic feel.

On a technical note, some of the physicality in the action scenes is hard to visualize, and with such a focus on combat and contact, capturing these moments accurately is critical. The overworking of certain lines with excessive adjectives and extended clauses can sometimes demand a second read, or a stumble in the energetic flow of a passage. The dialogue between characters is generally strong, functional and well-edited, and the consistently dark, sharp edge to the writing creates a powerful mood throughout.

Overall, as the first installation of a sprawling epic, this lengthy tome delivers a fascinating opening act for what promises to be a graphic and exhilarating series.