Book review: ‘Secrets of Neverak’ is a worthwhile sequel in A Tale of Light and Shadow series
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"SECRETS OF NEVERAK: A Tale of Light and Shadow, Book 2," by Jacob Gowans, Shadow Mountain, $18.99, 496 pages (f) (ages 12 and up)
Kidnapped by the evil Emperor Krallick, who has designs on her being one of his concubines, the beautiful Isabelle is bent on escaping his castle in “Secrets of Neverak," the second book in Utah author Jacob Gowans' A Tale of Light and Shadow series. Although the other concubines relish their luxurious living, Isabelle is determined to never enter Krallick’s bedroom.
Meanwhile, her brother James and her friends Henry, Ruther and Maggie want to come to her rescue. But first they need to earn money for traveling expenses and heal Henry’s arm, which was hurt in the battle with Krallick’s men.
As they travel, the group meets Thirsty, a freed slave working at an inn where the group stays. Though she's a great addition to their team, tensions mount as she and Maggie show interest in James. James, however, isn’t sure if he is interested in either woman, and the love triangle soon becomes a square when Ruther realizes he has developed feelings for Maggie.
While his friends struggle through romantic tensions, Henry wonders if he can undo all the hurt for which he feels responsible. As time passes, he worries about regaining use of his arm and rescuing Isabelle, the only woman he has ever cared for.
“Secrets of Neverak” lacks the polish and magic of its predecessor but is still a rewarding read. The trials and depression of the first half can seem overwhelming at times, but Gowans more than makes up for it in a second half full of intrigue and action.
He does an excellent job of interlacing the personal battles of addiction throughout the plot without seeming preachy, while the friendship and loyalty that made book one so heartwarming are continued as the wonderful characters are developed even more.
This volume picks up where the first book stopped. While many sequels remind readers of what happened previously, “Secrets of Neverak” doesn’t even try, so readers will need to review or have a good memory of past events.
“Secrets of Neverak” has clean language. There are several fight scenes and deaths with minimal gore. The subject of concubines is talked about frequently, but sexual references are extremely vague.
“Secrets of Neverak” is scheduled to be released Aug. 25.
Elizabeth Reid has bachelor’s degrees in economics and history. She has worked in retail, medical billing, catering, education and business fields. Her favorite occupation is that of wife and mother. She blogs at agoodreid.blogspot.com.
