Four months after fleeing his own people, Kellen has discovered he’s an even worse outlaw than he was mage. It doesn’t help that his only allies are a swaggering card player and a thieving squirrel cat.

Then he meets Seneira, a blindfolded girl who isn’t blind, and whose secrets get them caught up in a conspiracy of magic, blackmail and murder. Now Kellen must find the mage responsible before the entire frontier falls victim to the mystical plague known as the shadowblack. AHHHH, I CAN’T SHOVE THIS SERIES INTO MY EYES FAST ENOUGH!!!

I completely adored everything about Spellslinger, the first book in Sebastien de Castell’s fantasy series (of the same name), and I’m determined to finish the series over the next few(ish) months.

Shadowblack picks up not too long after the events of Spellslinger, with Kellen, Ferius, and Reichis settling in a bit to life on the road. Now exiled, Kellen is also unable to use any magic (well, he tries not to), because he can be tracked down if he does.

He’s also growing increasingly frustrated with Ferius Parfax’s mysterious ways & vague sentiments. And at this point, Kellen’s best friend is Reichis, an unhinged, violent squirrel-cat with a penchant for thievery. Oh, and he’s still plagued with the shadowblack.

So, yeah. Things aren’t super great, really.

This second book also introduces some great new characters, most notably Seneira, a girl about Kellen’s age who is also suffering from the shadowblack plague. Kellen & Ferius & Reichis agree to escort Seneira back to her home to try & find a cure. Magic, adventure, intrigue, hijinks, and warm baths ensue.

Oof…how fucking fun is this series? I am in love with this world & these characters. The relationship between Kellen & Reichis is my absolute favorite! That wise-cracking murdery squirrel-cat is very quickly becoming my favorite non-human character in fantasy…just so goddamn hilarious!

Both books in this series have been completely delightful…fast-paced & funny & emotional, and written in such a way that you really don’t want to set the book down at all. Shadowblack is exactly the kind of book I want to be reading at the moment…instantly engaging, funny, thrilling, and totally immersive!