Scan barcode
wolfshine's review
5.0
~I received a free copy of this book for my honest review~
Right away I was hooked into the story with suspenseful emotions. The story jumps immediately into action, taking the reader on a twisting journey right in the first chapter. After getting through the first few pages, it was nearly impossible to put the book down. Various characters are gradually revealed to the reader, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, such as a thief caught in a war and a Shepard who happens to be a Chosen.
The dialogue was very deep and intriguing, giving the reader a unique glimpse into each character…especially during the internal dialogue. I also greatly enjoyed the way the world was built in this story. It’s a great mix of science fiction and fantasy without the useless information dumps that some books in this genre seem to have.
Congratulations, Mr. Lehmann, on such a fantastic book! I look forward to seeing where you take this series!
Right away I was hooked into the story with suspenseful emotions. The story jumps immediately into action, taking the reader on a twisting journey right in the first chapter. After getting through the first few pages, it was nearly impossible to put the book down. Various characters are gradually revealed to the reader, each with their own unique strengths and weaknesses, such as a thief caught in a war and a Shepard who happens to be a Chosen.
The dialogue was very deep and intriguing, giving the reader a unique glimpse into each character…especially during the internal dialogue. I also greatly enjoyed the way the world was built in this story. It’s a great mix of science fiction and fantasy without the useless information dumps that some books in this genre seem to have.
Congratulations, Mr. Lehmann, on such a fantastic book! I look forward to seeing where you take this series!
egswriter's review
5.0
I would say that I have not read a book of this depth and detail and thought for a while. Sometimes I read to melt my brain and clear the synapses. But most of the time, I like to think and to be invited to think. This book definitely did that and I am glad for it. I could probably read this book over and over and still enjoy unravelling it. I would therefore say that this book was EXCELLENT.
queenterribletimy's review
4.0
I received a copy from the author in exchange of a honest review.
The full review with personal notes can be read here: starlitbook.com/2018/04/30/shattered-dreams-by-ulff-lehmann/
Shattered Dreams is the debut novel by Ulff Lehmann and the first of a 5 book series. Thus it has flaws and first book issues, which keeps me from giving a 5 star rating. Don't let that hold you back and give Shattered Dreams a chance, because it deserves it.
We are about a hundred years after the Heir War and the Demon War. The Phoenix Wizards are extinct, the elves retreated from the world, humans are left to their own devices, fighting petty wars and worshipping gods, whom actually grants them their help and blessings in one form or another. But all in all people live in peace. Until now. The Chanastardh kingdom is about to invade Danastaer, a Wizardess wakes up after a 100 years long hibernation and trouble is about being unleashed in the ancient elven city, Honas Graigh's heart. In these circumstances the best you can hope for is survival, even against all odds. And so the race against time begins.
Throughout the book we follow several characters' path, whom all play significant roles in a way, and whose name is nearly impossible to remember. Obviously. Who would have thought, huh? First, we have Drangar, ex-mercenary, presently a shepherd, living a solitary life, trying to forget about his past, and wrongdoings. But one's past is not so easy to ignore, especially if it comes knocking on the door. So Drangar has no choice but to put on his big boy pants and face whatever haunts him.
Meanwhile in Dunthiochagh Lord Kildanor, Chosen of Lesganagh, God of Sun and War tries to prevent the city getting in the hands of Chanastadh. Doing so he finds unexpected allies in Eanaigh's church as well as in Ealisaid the Wizardess in whom he (or anyone else for that matter) doesn't trust. Not that he has any other choice if he wants to keep Baron Duasonh alive and ensure the independence of the city and the Baron's subjects. The interactions between Kildanor and Braigh represents very well the conflict between the two factions and the errors on both end. Religion plays a big role throughout the story. Maybe this is the only aspect where I'm sorry we don't get more info regarding all the different gods and their deeds. Kildanor, being one of the first Chosen, had seen a lot of things in his life, most of it not really pleasing, but manages to keep his sense of humor. Actually, one of the things I really liked about this book were the humor and the banter between characters lighting up the rather dark mood.
Neither of them is aware of the happenings in Honas Graigh, which forces Lloreanthorian to leave the safe "haven" of the elves, where they created their new home and try to right the mistake his people made and which can cost a lot in the long run. He also has the most unexpected hero on his side. And the most adorable one I ever read of.
There are a few other characters as well, who get their own POV throughout the book, which makes it hard to get the hang of the story. For those who get easily confused by the changes, this book won't appeal much. Also, this is not exactly an action packed, fast paced, making you sit on the edge of your seat kind of book, which doesn't mean that it's boring either. On the contrary, it can keep you interested without you noticing it, and before you know it, you've finished quite a big portion of it. Of course there are some unexpected turn of events to slap you in the face or to break your heart. And believe me, it will break.
The characters and the world is well built, although we get only as much description as necessary - some may find it too few, for me it was a relief I didn't have to deal with useless info dumping dragged out for pages. I could let my imagination fill out the gaps. We only get as much info as we need to understand what the hell is happening. There were some repetitiveness here and there, especially regarding the elf POV, but not as much as to be utterly annoying. Nothing that couldn't be easily righted with some additional editing in the future. As mentioned above, these are first book problems, along with the book focusing a lot on the characters' pasts and motives, which leaves less place for action. But then, action isn't the main strength here. Besides, the writing is smooth, the characters are interesting enough in themselves so one can't complain much. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and the book ends rather abruptly. Fortunately, we don't have to wait long for book two to come out later this year.
Shattered Dreams is like a treasure hunt where you don't get rubies and diamonds, but some important pieces of information masquerading themselves as unimportant pebbles. You have to pay attention to all the little details, because you can never know what might be get back in your face later. This is not your typical straightforward, to the point kind of novel, you have to think and reason along with the characters to fully appreciate the story. This, again, won't be appealing to everyone. And then, you might dismiss insignificant scenes and details, which of course are anything but. Shattered Dreams is that kind of book you'll want to reread and will make you bang your head on the wall for not realizing some things sooner. Anyway, go grab a copy so you can play with it until Shattered Hopes comes out!
The full review with personal notes can be read here: starlitbook.com/2018/04/30/shattered-dreams-by-ulff-lehmann/
Shattered Dreams is the debut novel by Ulff Lehmann and the first of a 5 book series. Thus it has flaws and first book issues, which keeps me from giving a 5 star rating. Don't let that hold you back and give Shattered Dreams a chance, because it deserves it.
We are about a hundred years after the Heir War and the Demon War. The Phoenix Wizards are extinct, the elves retreated from the world, humans are left to their own devices, fighting petty wars and worshipping gods, whom actually grants them their help and blessings in one form or another. But all in all people live in peace. Until now. The Chanastardh kingdom is about to invade Danastaer, a Wizardess wakes up after a 100 years long hibernation and trouble is about being unleashed in the ancient elven city, Honas Graigh's heart. In these circumstances the best you can hope for is survival, even against all odds. And so the race against time begins.
Throughout the book we follow several characters' path, whom all play significant roles in a way, and whose name is nearly impossible to remember. Obviously. Who would have thought, huh? First, we have Drangar, ex-mercenary, presently a shepherd, living a solitary life, trying to forget about his past, and wrongdoings. But one's past is not so easy to ignore, especially if it comes knocking on the door. So Drangar has no choice but to put on his big boy pants and face whatever haunts him.
Meanwhile in Dunthiochagh Lord Kildanor, Chosen of Lesganagh, God of Sun and War tries to prevent the city getting in the hands of Chanastadh. Doing so he finds unexpected allies in Eanaigh's church as well as in Ealisaid the Wizardess in whom he (or anyone else for that matter) doesn't trust. Not that he has any other choice if he wants to keep Baron Duasonh alive and ensure the independence of the city and the Baron's subjects. The interactions between Kildanor and Braigh represents very well the conflict between the two factions and the errors on both end. Religion plays a big role throughout the story. Maybe this is the only aspect where I'm sorry we don't get more info regarding all the different gods and their deeds. Kildanor, being one of the first Chosen, had seen a lot of things in his life, most of it not really pleasing, but manages to keep his sense of humor. Actually, one of the things I really liked about this book were the humor and the banter between characters lighting up the rather dark mood.
Neither of them is aware of the happenings in Honas Graigh, which forces Lloreanthorian to leave the safe "haven" of the elves, where they created their new home and try to right the mistake his people made and which can cost a lot in the long run. He also has the most unexpected hero on his side. And the most adorable one I ever read of.
There are a few other characters as well, who get their own POV throughout the book, which makes it hard to get the hang of the story. For those who get easily confused by the changes, this book won't appeal much. Also, this is not exactly an action packed, fast paced, making you sit on the edge of your seat kind of book, which doesn't mean that it's boring either. On the contrary, it can keep you interested without you noticing it, and before you know it, you've finished quite a big portion of it. Of course there are some unexpected turn of events to slap you in the face or to break your heart. And believe me, it will break.
The characters and the world is well built, although we get only as much description as necessary - some may find it too few, for me it was a relief I didn't have to deal with useless info dumping dragged out for pages. I could let my imagination fill out the gaps. We only get as much info as we need to understand what the hell is happening. There were some repetitiveness here and there, especially regarding the elf POV, but not as much as to be utterly annoying. Nothing that couldn't be easily righted with some additional editing in the future. As mentioned above, these are first book problems, along with the book focusing a lot on the characters' pasts and motives, which leaves less place for action. But then, action isn't the main strength here. Besides, the writing is smooth, the characters are interesting enough in themselves so one can't complain much. There are a lot of questions left unanswered and the book ends rather abruptly. Fortunately, we don't have to wait long for book two to come out later this year.
Shattered Dreams is like a treasure hunt where you don't get rubies and diamonds, but some important pieces of information masquerading themselves as unimportant pebbles. You have to pay attention to all the little details, because you can never know what might be get back in your face later. This is not your typical straightforward, to the point kind of novel, you have to think and reason along with the characters to fully appreciate the story. This, again, won't be appealing to everyone. And then, you might dismiss insignificant scenes and details, which of course are anything but. Shattered Dreams is that kind of book you'll want to reread and will make you bang your head on the wall for not realizing some things sooner. Anyway, go grab a copy so you can play with it until Shattered Hopes comes out!
ethoslost's review
I read about a quarter of the book and gave up. With all the great reviews I really wanted to like it but I just couldn’t get into it.
barb4ry1's review
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
I read Shattered Dreams as part of my self-imposed SPFBO challenge. This book has been on my radar for a while - I remember stumbling upon it during one of my potential next book searches. The synopsis sounded interesting to me, and some reviewers I appreciate were enthusiastic about the book.
After finishing Shattered Dreams I’m still not sure what’s the best way to describe the story. It’s ambitious. It’s epic. It’s complicated and nuanced at times.
The author juggles between eight points of view and tells a complex story through their eyes. The main character – Drangar - is a tortured soul. The only thing he sees about himself is the pain he caused and the pain he is feeling. He doesn’t care about the world or himself, but he has a strong sense of justice that gets him into trouble. He’s accompanied by interesting pair of friends – a dog with whom he speaks in his mind and a horse.
Shattered Dreams can be interpreted as a book describing his path to redemption. Naturally it’s much more complicated than that and each of the characters has a story to tell. The other point of views are:
Kildanor - one of 24 Chosen of Lesganagh, the Lord of Sun and War. Basically he’s a war machine. He’s able to single – handedly destroy enemies.
Ealisaid is the last Wizardess. All her friends were killed in times past. When she wakes up from hibernation she thinks it’s all just a test and unleashed some power. Soon she discovers the reality changed a lot and that she may be the last of her kind.
Jesgar is a young man who took up thieving as a hobby, now he’s trained for a spy.
Anneijhan is a noble warleader with the enemy army. I liked her.
Mireynh is the invaders' High General.
Lightbringer is a being who shapes history by influencing others, steering them in desired direction.
Lloreanthoran is an elven mage tasked with retrieving forgotten artifacts.
Bright-Eyes is Lloreanthoran's squirrel familiar.
As you see there’s plenty of characters. of course, their stories intersect and make the plot much more interesting.
I really enjoyed the story and the world in which it happens. Truth be told the story and my curiosity to see what happens next was the main reason why I finished the book. I actually didn’t feel connected with any of the characters. Even though it’s character-driven book, I was more interested in the story than in characters. I tried to analyze why I couldn’t connect to them and why, at times, I felt disengaged. They’re rather complex. They all have some interesting traits and overcome adversities. I think I know the reason.
It’s the prose.
It’s solid. It’s good and it says what the author wants to say. However for me it felt monotonous, a bit artificial and, sadly, it sounded exactly the same for each character. I do realize that the author in non-native English writer. I appreciate the fact he’s managed to write a book in English. His voice though does little to engage me and captivate my attention. Even emotional scenes were written in a way that just didn’t manage to create a significant emotional response from me. At times I felt bored even though the events weren’t boring. For me Ulff Lehmann prose lacks finesse and lightness I enjoy and look for in books.
Overall, I think it’s a solid debut with plenty of interesting ideas and characters. The thing that didn’t work for me was prose that feels a bit formal at times, and basically it doesn’t differentiate significantly between POV’s. I finished the book because I believe it’s interesting and I wanted to see how the things would work out. But the truth is I also felt disconnected from the story quite often.
I read Shattered Dreams as part of my self-imposed SPFBO challenge. This book has been on my radar for a while - I remember stumbling upon it during one of my potential next book searches. The synopsis sounded interesting to me, and some reviewers I appreciate were enthusiastic about the book.
After finishing Shattered Dreams I’m still not sure what’s the best way to describe the story. It’s ambitious. It’s epic. It’s complicated and nuanced at times.
The author juggles between eight points of view and tells a complex story through their eyes. The main character – Drangar - is a tortured soul. The only thing he sees about himself is the pain he caused and the pain he is feeling. He doesn’t care about the world or himself, but he has a strong sense of justice that gets him into trouble. He’s accompanied by interesting pair of friends – a dog with whom he speaks in his mind and a horse.
Shattered Dreams can be interpreted as a book describing his path to redemption. Naturally it’s much more complicated than that and each of the characters has a story to tell. The other point of views are:
Kildanor - one of 24 Chosen of Lesganagh, the Lord of Sun and War. Basically he’s a war machine. He’s able to single – handedly destroy enemies.
Ealisaid is the last Wizardess. All her friends were killed in times past. When she wakes up from hibernation she thinks it’s all just a test and unleashed some power. Soon she discovers the reality changed a lot and that she may be the last of her kind.
Jesgar is a young man who took up thieving as a hobby, now he’s trained for a spy.
Anneijhan is a noble warleader with the enemy army. I liked her.
Mireynh is the invaders' High General.
Lightbringer is a being who shapes history by influencing others, steering them in desired direction.
Lloreanthoran is an elven mage tasked with retrieving forgotten artifacts.
Bright-Eyes is Lloreanthoran's squirrel familiar.
As you see there’s plenty of characters. of course, their stories intersect and make the plot much more interesting.
I really enjoyed the story and the world in which it happens. Truth be told the story and my curiosity to see what happens next was the main reason why I finished the book. I actually didn’t feel connected with any of the characters. Even though it’s character-driven book, I was more interested in the story than in characters. I tried to analyze why I couldn’t connect to them and why, at times, I felt disengaged. They’re rather complex. They all have some interesting traits and overcome adversities. I think I know the reason.
It’s the prose.
It’s solid. It’s good and it says what the author wants to say. However for me it felt monotonous, a bit artificial and, sadly, it sounded exactly the same for each character. I do realize that the author in non-native English writer. I appreciate the fact he’s managed to write a book in English. His voice though does little to engage me and captivate my attention. Even emotional scenes were written in a way that just didn’t manage to create a significant emotional response from me. At times I felt bored even though the events weren’t boring. For me Ulff Lehmann prose lacks finesse and lightness I enjoy and look for in books.
Overall, I think it’s a solid debut with plenty of interesting ideas and characters. The thing that didn’t work for me was prose that feels a bit formal at times, and basically it doesn’t differentiate significantly between POV’s. I finished the book because I believe it’s interesting and I wanted to see how the things would work out. But the truth is I also felt disconnected from the story quite often.
dustin_frueh7921's review
4.0
DISCLOSURE: I received an e-book copy from the author, in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
Complacency is the greatest foe of peace. Once the things our forebears have struggled and died for become as much a fixture in life as sleeping and waking, we take them for granted. Peace is something we have to strive for each and every day.
German born independent author, Ulff Lehmann, has crafted an impressive epic, grimdark fantasy novel, and through his prose, it soon became clear that he painstakingly set out to write a story he’d want to read, for his personal enjoyment. I believe he succeeded. On many levels, Shattered Dreams achieved that, whether it’s on dense, developmentally complex level; or on a level concerning its well-rounded, albeit large, cast of colorful characters. And let's not forget its intentional slow burning pace and plot, among many ongoing subplots. Was it perfect? No, of course. But its virtues far outweighed its flaws.
For instance, a comprehensive glossary with name pronunciation would have gone a long way. In fairness, there is a glossary, but it’s minimalistic, and lacks proper pronunciation. Breaks in between scene changes, if only for ease of understanding, would have also been beneficial, though personally, it wasn’t really a big deal. I acclimated quickly, and learned to pay closer attention. A word to the wise: you really need to pay extra attention to everything taking place in the story. Plus, as most fantasy aficionados know, detailed maps can be very helpful. Having said that, I struggled (particularly early on,) to visualize some of the reference points in between northern (Chanastardh) and southern (Dunthiochagh) Danastaer.
On a related note, I had a sense of disjointedness throughout about half of the book, as though the setting, characters, and plots were connected, but not necessarily to a degree that the average reader would prefer. Put another way: what if a lot of the elements were connected, but in ways more similar to a short story collection, where they’re interconnected by means of character inferences, the mention of certain events, locales, et al. Of course, it’s entirely possible that I missed or overlooked some vital cues. Either way, these critiques aren’t necessarily bad things. They’re just subjective. Regardless, I’d like to believe that the sense of disconnect was deliberate. It makes sense, too, retrospectively, due to the ensuing chaos and uncertainly of life, and of war.
Amidst said chaos was Drangar Ralgon, an admittedly broken man. In many ways, he and his story were the heart of the novel. It’s not hyperbolic to say his anguish. and the increasingly intricate details of his journey, moved me in very powerful and unpredictable ways. Drangar’s journey endearing, unique, and downright creative. I’ve never read anything to compare it to, and I doubt I ever will.
I could say so much more about him and the extent that his hope coupled unevenly with despair, as his narrative went forward. Truly, I could go on for pages. I could also attempt to convey how his chapters tugged fiercely on my heartstrings. Yet I won’t. Drangar’s sojourn is genuinely one to be felt, to be experienced. I think every fantasy reader, especially grimdark fans, should experience Shattered Dreams for themselves. There are reasons why it was a strong contender for Mark Lawrence’s SPFBO in 2017.
Learning about the supporting characters was quite the wild ride, as well. Individuals like the Chosen, Kildanor. And Ealisaid, the witch; the cryptic entity known as Lightbringer. And Lloreanthoran, the elven mage and Anneijhan of House Cirrain. Every character, in fact, brought something a little different to the whole. Lehmann brought many quirks and creativity to them, and that helped inform the reader, not just about their experiences, opinions, and dispositions, but of the world surrounding them. Danastaer was fascinating.
Be that as it may, I think it suffered on one, maybe two, levels. To an extent, at least. Either A.) the cast was too large, which is entirely possible, though I’m inclined to disagree, or B.) the characters were unevenly developed. For example, individuals such as Drangar, Lloreanthoran, and Kildanor were done well. Especially Drangar. Some of the others, however, could’ve significantly informed us of Danastaer’s various idiosyncrasies through their eyes. The cultural and political aspects specifically. Implementing those additional details could’ve brought a stronger cohesiveness to the overall work, and thus an even more engaging narrative.
Please keep in mind: I’m in no way opposed to a heavily populated story. I like them very much. And with a novel as complex and interesting as Shattered Dreams, the multiple perspectives were needed. I can’t imagine it another way.
History played a big part in the world-building. Using both subtle and explanatory text, Lehmann demonstrated the results of the Heir War as well as the Demon War; an impact which was seen and felt in numerous ways, the relative peace notwithstanding. The biggest change was magic itself, and how the masses grew to fear it, courtesy of the Heir—alternately dubbed the Wizard War. The lasting impact of was quite devastating. Yet, it never felt like a history lesson. If anything, the scars of the past grew to feel very natural, almost like mere extensions of Danastaer itself.
The polarizing nature of religion was another means of developing his world. Primarily, Lesganagh and Eanaigh. Once united, history splintered their coupling, driving them into opposing factions, and with them, the deity’s devout followers. The end result was cataclysmic. The religious elements were much more spiritual than faith-based, which shouldn’t be too surprising, given the author’s atheism. What did astound me was how prevalent it was throughout, and more than anything, the deft hand with which Lehmann crafted them.
There were also many different types of realms featured throughout the book, all of which were very cool and uniquely and significantly impacted the sequences of events. Sometimes referred to as the Veil of Dreams, and in other places called the spiritworld ( Drangar, Ealisaid, and Lloreanthoran, primarily,) the development of said realms allowed Lehmann to navigate territory he might not otherwise have pursued. I really must stress it: the way he described them was so cool and vibrant and refreshing. I’d never read anything quite like them. I can’t put into words the sense of wide-eyed wonder they invoked, or the mystery surrounding the realms. Their intricacies weren’t one and done, either, but rather gradual revelations. Those details, in themselves, were dazzling, yet he wasn’t done yet. Unlike a lot of stories, Lehmann didn’t provide solutions in a readily and easily remedied fashion. He makes the characters—and his audience—really work for the answers.
That wasn’t just the case with his realms ( countless in number, I believe, according to the elven mage,) but in general. He rarely spelled anything out for you, and I cannot tell you how relieving that was, and how much I respect him for it. As a result, there were many scenes where upon reading them, I was utterly flummoxed. I had no idea what was going on, where, or even why. A couple times, the characters in question weren’t even identified until later.
As if that wasn’t enough, splayed aesthetically across the pages were sufficient political intrigue, coupled with personal betrayal, espionage, ulterior motives, malfeasance, manipulation, and in the thick of other factors, backstabbing aplenty. Does that remind you of George R.R. Martin’s [b:A Song of Ice and Fire|12177850|A Song of Ice and Fire (A Song of Ice and Fire, #1-5)|George R.R. Martin|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1339340118l/12177850._SX50_.jpg|21619530] ? If so, I’d agree that the Game of Thrones books were highly influential to him. However, I think Lehmann’s take was much more subtle, his foreshadowing clear only upon deep reflection. It’s just not glaringly obvious. The author obviously put a lot of time and thought (probably years and years,) into the history and how the wars would impact Danastaer; the structure of the magic system, which was awesome and, also unlike a lot of fantasy, in abundance. The character’s actions were also incredibly strategic, instead of being happenstance or products of mere convenience.
His prose was clear and succinct, and made all the more impressive since that English wasn’t his native tongue. The ease of it felt very natural and seamless. It was pure joy to behold his unique vison, and to watch it unfold with the utmost brevity.
I mentioned it being a slow burn, and I’d feel almost remiss not to emphasize it. In the interest of transparency, things didn’t really intensify until about the halfway point. Once they did, there was also a sense of urgency to the pace. That did not let up until the penultimate chapter, centering around Drangar. Having said that, the chapters were never filler. Everything served a purpose. Reading Shattered Dreams was a lot of fun. It was never dull or boring. I was consistently fascinated by these characters (wondering what they’d do next and why,) and their world. The final chapter ventured back to Lloreanthoran and the details of his personal journey. Going forward, it promises to home in on the enigmatic Sons of Traksor. I’m very excited for that. But If there was one relatively disappointing chapter, it would be this one. Not because it’s bad, but because I expected something more engaging or shocking to wrap up this tome. Actually, the chapter featured some of my favorite passages and insights. You learn a lot about him in unexpected ways. It served as a great start to the next leg of his journey. Perhaps it would’ve worked better if placed a chapter of two earlier. If it had then culminated in an epic return to the war, I probably would’ve given it five stars. I just wanted—expected—it to end on a high note, not necessarily with a cliffhanger, but some method of raising the already high stakes in a wholly earned way. You know? Either way, I loved it overall, and hereby award it four solid stars.
*Eagerly awaiting book II, [b:Shattered Hopes|41541183|Shattered Hopes (Light in the Dark #2)|Ulff Lehmann|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1535385702l/41541183._SY75_.jpg|64809111].
Thank you, Ulff, for being so awesome and understanding.
tarmunvykers's review
5.0
If you like sprawling epics with countless characters, plotlines and perspectives -- and I do! -- this novel is for you. The points of conflict are too numerous to list here, but suffice it to say there's something for everyone. Demons and Demonologists? Check. Out of control wizards? Check. Tragic love story? Check. Ghosts? Check. Cocky and crafty thief? Check. Fighters with supernatural gifts? Check. I could go on, but I don't want to spoil it.
In terms of themes, Lehmann's novel explores the natures of trust, guilt, friendship, betrayal, war and several other key ideas. Between all the action and these themes, I can guarantee you won't be bored. In fact, you'll probably want the sequel as soon as you're done, which is rumored to be on its way in the very near future. Seriously, check out Shattered Dreams. You won't regret it.
In terms of themes, Lehmann's novel explores the natures of trust, guilt, friendship, betrayal, war and several other key ideas. Between all the action and these themes, I can guarantee you won't be bored. In fact, you'll probably want the sequel as soon as you're done, which is rumored to be on its way in the very near future. Seriously, check out Shattered Dreams. You won't regret it.
nick_borrelli's review
4.0
The opening paragraph of Ulff Lehmann's SHATTERED DREAMS contains this powerful sentence: "Complacency is the greatest foe of peace". Pretty heavy stuff that not only is quite relevant to our real world of today, but also serves as the basis for the main storyline of this dark epic fantasy tale of a world attempting to recover from a century's old war where wizards and elves once fought to the death. The result of this war was a deeply scarred land rife with distrust for the magic that was unleashed and its subsequent banishment from being practiced ever again. The elves, so distraught were they with what had occurred, withdrew from the world leaving humans to their own devices for the next hundred years. During that time the kingdoms of Danastaer and its neighbor to the north Chanastardh have lived in relative peace. However, complacency (there's that word from the opening page of the book) has definitely set in within Danastaer as the corrupt king has become lazy and ineffective. This ineffectiveness proves increasingly problematic as Chanastardh sees an opening to invade and overtake Danastaer in a ruthless power play that harkens back to the days of that old merciless and bloody war.
Drangar Ralgon is a shepherd who is haunted by his shadowy past and his only desire now is to live out the rest of his life in relative obscurity. This becomes impossible however, after he murders a nobleman in a dispute and is forced to flee as armies continue to amass at the northern border. Drangar's past is slowly revealed through snippets of memory and voices within his head, and we gradually get the impression that he is no simple shepherd with a clouded past. Rather his past is firmly entwined with the events that are about to take place between the two continents. Treachery is rampant as a very senior member of the King's inner circle is suspected of being an informant and traitor who is sending information back to Danastaer's enemies. Working hard to uncover the conspiracy is one of the Chosen of Lesganagh, Kildanor. Kildanor believes that there is a plot hatching to leave Danastaer helpless and vulnerable to attack and is duty bound to stop it before his homeland is subjugated under the heel of the invading army. Meanwhile, an ancient wizard named Ealisaid has just awoken from a slumber of 100 years only to discover that her entire order has been wiped out. For her, the war that took place a century ago is still raging and after lashing out in anger and killing a number of people, she is consigned to a dungeon where she eventually encounters the aforementioned shepherd Drangar. It is in the dungeon with Drangar that Ealisaid realizes what is occurring outside the dungeon walls and that there is an invasion about to take place that will threaten the fragile peace and potentially destroy that peace once and for all. Can the former member of the Phoenix Wizards, along with Drangar and Kildanor uncover the conspiracy that is afoot and stave off the invasion that is most certainly coming? Can it be that it is too late to stop the events that have already been put into motion?
SHATTERED DREAMS is the first book in Ulff Lehmann's Light in the Dark series and it delivers so many positive elements for anyone who loves dark fantasy with magic aplenty. The book starts off at a relatively slow pace. This is not a book where you are immediately dumped into the action taking place. There is a good amount of background information provided in the opening chapters and also a brief history lesson regarding the elven/wizard war. This is vital to understanding everything that follows though, so don't lose patience and you will be fairly rewarded as the story picks up steam about midway through. I was very pleased with the use of magic in SHATTERED DREAMS and I thought that the way in which magic had an important role in the story really enriched the narrative. Magic in this story is something that is both feared by the general populace but at the same time is seen as possibly the only hope to save the threatened kingdom of Danastaer from the hordes of invading troops to the north. The interesting dichotomy of that view of magic really lends a lot of tension to the story and I kept wondering as I read if magic would be embraced in the end or continue to be shunned as a destructive force.
This was a book that brought me back to my days of reading epic high fantasy written by the likes of Lloyd Alexander, Robert Jordan, and Ursula Le Guin. Don't be mistaken, I'm not comparing SHATTERED DREAMS to the works of those authors in a literal sense, but I will say that this book had that type of feel to it at times for me. I had that same comfortable and familiar feeling with regard to the story that I had when I used to devour those books back in my early days of reading fantasy. My only slight complaint about the book is that at times it felt a little disjointed. I think this had more to do with the fact that that this is a first book by a new author and it wasn't distracting enough that it made me not enjoy the reading experience. The world-building is solid and the central conflict driving the story kept me focused on wanting to find out what happened next. We are unfortunately left with a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but this is to be expected with the first book in a planned five-book series. Incidentally, the second book in this series Shattered Hopes was just released in late August, so I'm eager to pick that one up as well and continue with this intriguing new series. All in all, I thoroughl
Drangar Ralgon is a shepherd who is haunted by his shadowy past and his only desire now is to live out the rest of his life in relative obscurity. This becomes impossible however, after he murders a nobleman in a dispute and is forced to flee as armies continue to amass at the northern border. Drangar's past is slowly revealed through snippets of memory and voices within his head, and we gradually get the impression that he is no simple shepherd with a clouded past. Rather his past is firmly entwined with the events that are about to take place between the two continents. Treachery is rampant as a very senior member of the King's inner circle is suspected of being an informant and traitor who is sending information back to Danastaer's enemies. Working hard to uncover the conspiracy is one of the Chosen of Lesganagh, Kildanor. Kildanor believes that there is a plot hatching to leave Danastaer helpless and vulnerable to attack and is duty bound to stop it before his homeland is subjugated under the heel of the invading army. Meanwhile, an ancient wizard named Ealisaid has just awoken from a slumber of 100 years only to discover that her entire order has been wiped out. For her, the war that took place a century ago is still raging and after lashing out in anger and killing a number of people, she is consigned to a dungeon where she eventually encounters the aforementioned shepherd Drangar. It is in the dungeon with Drangar that Ealisaid realizes what is occurring outside the dungeon walls and that there is an invasion about to take place that will threaten the fragile peace and potentially destroy that peace once and for all. Can the former member of the Phoenix Wizards, along with Drangar and Kildanor uncover the conspiracy that is afoot and stave off the invasion that is most certainly coming? Can it be that it is too late to stop the events that have already been put into motion?
SHATTERED DREAMS is the first book in Ulff Lehmann's Light in the Dark series and it delivers so many positive elements for anyone who loves dark fantasy with magic aplenty. The book starts off at a relatively slow pace. This is not a book where you are immediately dumped into the action taking place. There is a good amount of background information provided in the opening chapters and also a brief history lesson regarding the elven/wizard war. This is vital to understanding everything that follows though, so don't lose patience and you will be fairly rewarded as the story picks up steam about midway through. I was very pleased with the use of magic in SHATTERED DREAMS and I thought that the way in which magic had an important role in the story really enriched the narrative. Magic in this story is something that is both feared by the general populace but at the same time is seen as possibly the only hope to save the threatened kingdom of Danastaer from the hordes of invading troops to the north. The interesting dichotomy of that view of magic really lends a lot of tension to the story and I kept wondering as I read if magic would be embraced in the end or continue to be shunned as a destructive force.
This was a book that brought me back to my days of reading epic high fantasy written by the likes of Lloyd Alexander, Robert Jordan, and Ursula Le Guin. Don't be mistaken, I'm not comparing SHATTERED DREAMS to the works of those authors in a literal sense, but I will say that this book had that type of feel to it at times for me. I had that same comfortable and familiar feeling with regard to the story that I had when I used to devour those books back in my early days of reading fantasy. My only slight complaint about the book is that at times it felt a little disjointed. I think this had more to do with the fact that that this is a first book by a new author and it wasn't distracting enough that it made me not enjoy the reading experience. The world-building is solid and the central conflict driving the story kept me focused on wanting to find out what happened next. We are unfortunately left with a little bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but this is to be expected with the first book in a planned five-book series. Incidentally, the second book in this series Shattered Hopes was just released in late August, so I'm eager to pick that one up as well and continue with this intriguing new series. All in all, I thoroughl
More...