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A Tale of Stars and Shadow Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,032 ratings

A corrupt kingdom. A rising darkness. Can a broken warrior save a world?

Mithranar is a country divided by ignorance and magic. Oppressed by their winged folk rulers, humans struggle to eke out an existence. Their only help comes from the mysterious Shadowhawk, a criminal who has evaded all attempts at capture. Meanwhile, something else … something violent … stalks the streets, and it has ambitions that could bring Mithranar to its knees.

The arrival of a foreign warrior will change everything.

Descended from the ruling house of the kingdom of the Twin Thrones, Talyn Dynan is a born warrior. But after a combat mission goes tragically wrong, she is left broken and wracked with guilt, her confidence in tatters. A dangerous mission to the allied country of Mithranar is her final chance to prove she can still be an elite warrior.

And it could change the world.

Or end in her death.

A Tale of Stars and Shadow is the first book in an adult epic fantasy series for readers who love: political intrigue, found family, a hint of magic, and a strong female lead.

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From the Publisher

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Summary of information about Lisa Cassidy
cover images of Lisa Cassidy's three other fantasy series

Editorial Reviews

Review

What readers are saying about A Tale of Stars and Shadow:
'It's left me desperate for more, and with one wicked book hangover.'
'Lisa Cassidy's writing style is beautiful. She has this wonderful way with words that draws you in and keeps you hooked on every sentence... I loved, loved, LOVED Talyn. A born leader and a real inspiration. One of my favorite characters I've read all year.'
'The real magic is how the story and the characters are woven into a seamless tapestry that I just couldn't put down.'
'Wonderfully drawn characters, vivid settings and a cracking story. The author also deftly covers several heavy themes, with respect for characters and readers alike.'
'A story where the human spirit is tested in a beautiful magical world with a dark side where cultures clash. There are so many layers to this story and I found myself completely absorbed in it all. What a great read!'
'I was really surprised by the amazing writing style, deep words, incredible world building, visual descriptions and outstanding complex characters. This book was the perfect fantasy read.'

About the Author

Lisa Cassidy is a self-published fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She's a self-confessed coffee snob (don't try coming near her with any of that instant coffee rubbish) but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers. She lives in Australia's capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma. A 2019 SPFBO finalist, Lisa has published the YA fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and is working on her epic fantasy series, A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls-no matter where they are born or how much money they have-enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa's royalties go to One Girl.

Danielle Cohen grew up in Manchester, England, reading anything and everything aloud, and at the age of eight dreamed of being a news reader, or later, a stand-up comedian! Neither of those careers ever came to fruition, but she did pursue an acting career for many years, performing in many venues around London, at the Edinburgh Festival, and worked with several children's theater companies. Danielle has also voiced a number television documentaries. Danielle now lives in Vermont. She is an actress and a successful audiobook narrator. She has always loved telling a good story and being an audiobook narrator has been a natural progression. When she's not narrating audiobooks, she can be found walking or running with friends, playing board games with her husband and teenage daughters, or baking and eating cake.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07S1FK3DH
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tate House (June 19, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 19, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3984 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 502 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,032 ratings

About the author

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Lisa Cassidy
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Lisa is a self-published fantasy author by day and book nerd in every other spare moment she has. She’s a self-confessed coffee snob (don’t try coming near her with any of that instant coffee rubbish) but is willing to accept all other hot drink aficionados, even tea drinkers.

She lives in Australia’s capital city, Canberra, and like all Australians, is pretty much in constant danger from highly poisonous spiders, crocodiles, sharks, and drop bears, to name a few. As you can see, she is also pro-Oxford comma.

A 2019 SPFBO finalist, and a finalist for the 2020 ACT Writers Fiction award, Lisa is the author of the young adult fantasy series The Mage Chronicles, and epic fantasy series A Tale of Stars and Shadow. She recently released the final book in her latest series, Heir to the Darkmage, and is currently working on a secret New Thing.

Lisa has also partnered up with One Girl, an Australian charity working to build a world where all girls have access to quality education. A world where all girls — no matter where they are born or how much money they have — enjoy the same rights and opportunities as boys. A percentage of all Lisa’s royalties go to One Girl.

You can follow Lisa on Instagram and Facebook (if you’re on Facebook, you can join her book discussion group, Lisa’s Writing Cave) – she loves to chat to her readers! You can also visit her website: lisacassidyauthor.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
1,032 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the characters believable and well-developed. They find the storyline interesting and engaging, with a surprising twist at the end. The book is described as lovely to read and easy to imagine. Readers appreciate the unique world-building and solid groundwork. They describe the story quality as good and impressive. While some find the pacing good, others mention it starts clunky.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

41 customers mention "Character development"41 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the believable characters and well-designed backgrounds. They find it easy to imagine the character quirks that make them unique. The strong female lead and engaging plot keep readers hooked until the end.

"...The plot was well constructed. The characters were emotionally layered, but the best part of this novel had to be the found family aspect: 6..." Read more

"...Her writing made it effortless to imagine the little character quirks that make people individual, with an excellent and realistic inner..." Read more

"...magic and combat was interesting, and I liked that the characters had strengths and flaws in more or less equal measure...." Read more

"...crafted in this book right away, following along with the well-written descriptions and POVs from Talyn and Shadowhawk...." Read more

41 customers mention "Storyline"37 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the storyline. They find the characters engaging and the plot intriguing, with a surprising twist at the end. The book features different stories woven together with action and intrigue. Readers appreciate the depth of conflict depicted, as well as the magic and combat elements. Overall, it's a well-written tale that creates an original fantasy world.

"...The plot was well constructed...." Read more

"Cassidy does a phenomenal job creating and establishing a fantasy world in this novel that is unique but still easily understandable...." Read more

"...wanted to make sure I wrote a review for this because great books and stories and authors like this deserve it. Burn bright and true." Read more

"...The magic and combat was interesting, and I liked that the characters had strengths and flaws in more or less equal measure...." Read more

13 customers mention "Readability"10 positive3 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and imagine. They appreciate the descriptive yet tight content, well-described characters, and a unique plot that is understandable.

"...The prose was seemless, making the occasional 15 to 20 page chapter be read effortlessly. The plot was well constructed...." Read more

"...a fantasy world in this novel that is unique but still easily understandable...." Read more

"...Good read, downloading book 2 now!" Read more

"...But definitely not a romance. Also, author needs a better editor...." Read more

11 customers mention "World building"11 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's world-building. They find it unique and inspiring, with a fascinating universe. The story is thought-provoking and brings hope to readers.

"...I was definitely sucked into the complex and quite magical universe that was wonderfully crafted in this book right away, following along with the..." Read more

"What a fascinating universe! I loved the depth of conflict depicted in the story, not all is as it seems. I was very shocked by the ending...." Read more

"...from the first page to the last it was very well written and the world building and character development was excellent I look forward to reading..." Read more

"...Thought provoking and brought me hope. I enjoyed these books so much I didn't mind the occasional miraculous rescue. ;)..." Read more

7 customers mention "Craftedness"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the well-crafted world and characters. They find the characters believable, well-developed, and likeable. The book provides solid groundwork for the story's future development.

"...This laid solid groundwork and I'm excited to see where it goes." Read more

"...I haven’t experienced a book with such well-crafted world building in such a long time, and I haven’t been caught off guard by plot twists in so..." Read more

"...From characters with carefully designs backgrounds to a world so well constructed you BELIEVE it exist, A Tale of Stars and Shadow draws you in an..." Read more

"...Complex characters, strong people all around. I'd love to have a drink with this lot if they were real people...." Read more

6 customers mention "Story quality"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the story. They found it engaging and a good start to a new series.

"...A truly masterful story and I can’t wait to see what comes next." Read more

"...this series... ugh i am such a bookaholic and this series is totally hitting the spot!!!..." Read more

"...You've created a world I'd like to visit. Thanks for a great series." Read more

"...I very much enjoyed the story and after tearing through it today, have the next in the series downloaded to my kindle." Read more

4 customers mention "Loyalty"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's loyalty and intrigue. They find it engaging and worth sticking with.

"...start, but it gets better fairly quickly and it is definitely worth sticking with it...." Read more

"...Action, loyalty and intrigue are a constant in5is coming of age story that has nothing to do with age...maybe coming of self is a better term...." Read more

"A fascinating story that kept me on my toes!..." Read more

"Hooked!..." Read more

7 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing. Some find it good and clunky at the start, but it gets better quickly. Others feel it's a little slow and everything takes too long.

"...That does make this read intentionally slow and I'm not sure the true main plot of the story has been revealed yet...." Read more

"...The first book is a bit clunky at the start, but it gets better fairly quickly and it is definitely worth sticking with it...." Read more

"Good read, a few slow places but I felt her emotions And really enjoyed the characters. Would read again too" Read more

"...Immediately going for Book Two. Paced just right. After years and years of reading you feel like everything has been done before...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
    This was not the story I expected from the cover. Honestly the cover with crossed swords and lightning doesn't do this book justice at all. The prose was seemless, making the occasional 15 to 20 page chapter be read effortlessly. The plot was well constructed. The characters were emotionally layered, but the best part of this novel had to be the found family aspect: 6 characters with nothing in common coming together with little to no trust between them. Their growing bond in this book made every page worthwhile as they learned each of their strengths, grew in confidence, and defended their little group. I was a little underwhelmed at having guessed the reveal at the end early on, but it doesn't change the fact that I went and bought the 2nd book right after finishing this one.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2021
    Cassidy does a phenomenal job creating and establishing a fantasy world in this novel that is unique but still easily understandable. She truly takes her time fleshing it out and making sure the reader can recreate it in his/her mind. I could easily see this turned into a TV show adaption from that angle.

    This story primarily focuses on the main character's character development Tayln is suffering from grief and trying to figure out how to move on with her life, find something to hang out to. Her palpable sense of loss is heartbreaking but critical to who she is. Her trying to move on, while training an unlikely group of men to fulfill orders to guard a prince, is the driving force of this novel rather than a specific plot point. That does make this read intentionally slow and I'm not sure the true main plot of the story has been revealed yet. Hence why I'm giving it 4 stars instead of 5.

    Bottom line: this novel sets up the beginning of what I feel like will mean amazing series and I think the subsequent books will be better as the plot pick up. This laid solid groundwork and I'm excited to see where it goes.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2023
    I know that reviews are the bread and butter of book sales and authors. That comments are essential and needed--but writing one is a difficult thing for me. The rate at which I read and devour books would leave me writing a review a day, and honestly, I reserve the reviews and words for the books that have truly moved me.

    There are good books, OK books and then there are great books. Lisa Cassidy's A Tale of Stars and Shadow is hands down, in my opinion, a great book. From the moment I was introduced to the characters, main and side, I began to be intrigued and as I was intrigued by them I grew to care about them as people. Her writing made it effortless to imagine the little character quirks that make people individual, with an excellent and realistic inner monologue.

    And that's not even touching the air of frustratingly delicious mystery, heart-pumping action, and moments of heartbreaking beauty.

    I am usually pretty good at putting some hints and clues together to see an approaching plot twist. It's not a talent, it's just that sometimes things are telegraphed. This book probably did drop some hints but I have to say the unexpected twist at the very end actually surprised me. I did not, as they say, see it coming, and what a delight.

    Anyway, I've already read this one and the second one and cannot wait to start the third after work today AND I wanted to make sure I wrote a review for this because great books and stories and authors like this deserve it.

    Burn bright and true.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2024
    One of the most entertaining series I have read in a long while. The magic and combat was interesting, and I liked that the characters had strengths and flaws in more or less equal measure. The first book is a bit clunky at the start, but it gets better fairly quickly and it is definitely worth sticking with it.

    Probably the best part about the series is how well it avoids so many tropes. A female character isn’t immediately sidelined because she gets pregnant. When secrets are kept it’s for valid reasons, not because one person is scared about how another person will receive the news. Magic bonds that aid in combat are created and strengthened by shared combat experiences, respect and trust, not sex.

    There’s a lot to like. The only problem I have is that the female main character’s horse is named FireFlare, which I think is a completely stupid name. It bothered me the whole series.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars "Burn Bright and True"
    Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2020
    I stumbled across this book by pure chance and I am so glad for that because A Tale of Stars and Shadow was brilliant!

    Twin Thrones, an island where fierce warriors called Callanan are the police and Kingshield are the protectors of the Dumnorix (royal) bloodline. The story follows Talyn Dynan, a Dumnorix-Callanan turned Kingsguard, after facing a devastating loss. While she's recuperating, she sails to Mithranar, for a covert mission to guard the youngest prince of a foreign country, while everyone else knows she's going to train Winged guards.

    In Mithranar, things are far from what they appear to be. There's great disparity between the Winged people and the humans and there's a hooded Robinhood (Shadowhawk) in town stealing from the royal coffers to feed the poor. She's given the impossible task of training a band of misfits, the dregs of the society, to form a protection wing for the prince who wants nothing to do with it.

    The story moves at a pretty slow pace which goes well hand in hand with the characters' backstory and development. I absolutely love the chemistry between Talyn's Wolves. Talyn's internal struggle and her journey to the point where she finally decides to live is incredibly built. While Talyn balances her duties between training her men, protecting the prince and trailing the Shadowhawk there's a bigger power at play which throws her into a world of games, politics and assasinations as mysteries start to unravel. The ending leaves you wanting more and I can't wait to jump into the next book in the series!
  • Mary Robins
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new land with multiple peoples, with a strong heroine and other characters of interest.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 13, 2019
    The book contained so many interesting elements, as the first book in a series it sets the scene and introduces the main characters. A female heroine damaged but learning her new command and the nuances of a new land, it's politics and people's. I found it a well written and enjoyable read and look forward to more books in the series.
  • Smileyrie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent read
    Reviewed in Australia on August 5, 2023
    If, like me, you’ve already read Lisa’s other two series, you know that this will be well written, fascinating & full of inspiring characters with the odd twist & turn or ten in the plot. And yes. It is. Unlike the others though, this lead is very likeable from the start & it’s some of the supporting characters who take a while to warm up to. And the world built in this book is really fascinating. If you’ve ever read the book “When We Have Wings”, you’ll already have an idea of how having a winged race mixing with humans (or humans with wings), might change things drastically. Everything would be affected - from architecture, furnishings, clothing & of course, the balance of power. After all, if there are enough of them, they can literally look down on people. Add in a monarchy, medieval type society & give magic to those with wings & plain old humans don’t tend to fare too well. And while most might accept their lot in life because it’s the way things have always been, bringing in someone new can definitely shake things up.
  • Takoul
    4.0 out of 5 stars Here's the next Amazon series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 24, 2021
    If Wheel of Time caught their attention, then this book should too.
    I was looking for an empire\city based, low magic, gritty and personal series of books. Oh, and thieves. I wanted some thieves. Because real life struggles are often best found at their doors
    I got all this and more.
    Love the world, the empires, the people, the magic, the lead character. Yip, yip!

    The only gripe as a world builder I had was, what happened to all the masons, the quarries, the spoil heaps?
  • Tilly
    4.0 out of 5 stars It's good, but not great.
    Reviewed in Australia on December 24, 2020
    The plot is interesting and it's generally well-written. I gave it 4 stars because i found the book genuinely interesting, however i found that there was a lot of unnecessary build up. It felt like there was a lot of filler and then all of a sudden a jump to something that leads the plot forward without warning (i thought i'd missed a chapter and even went back to see if a missed part of the story, but no it just jumped right ahead and as i found out, is back filled much later). The only good thing about stretching out the story was that you ended up getting to know some of the characters pretty well. The main character's inner monologue can get really tedious at times though.

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