The Shadow’s Curse. Amy McCulloch. Toronto, ON: Doubleday Canada, 2014. 465 pp., hardcover & ebook, $21.00 (hc.). ISBN 978-0-38567-827-8 (hc.), ISBN 978-0-38567-828-5 (ebook). Grades 7 and up / Ages 12 and up. Review by Andrew Laudicina. *** /4

excerpt:

"All around in the courtyard, Raim could see other men and women being carried in similar chairs to his mother, but the men who carried them wore nothing but a strip of cloth around their waists. He couldn’t help but stare. ‘Are there many in Aqben unable to walk?’ Raim asked Mei.

‘No, they are just rich.’

‘Why would the other men carry them if they can walk? Or ride a horse?’ The woman frowned. ‘They don’t have a choice. They are slaves.’

‘Oh—are they oathbreakers? Raim asked.

She shook her head. ‘They are property. Slaves. They do their master’s bidding.’

Raim stopped moving at this point, forcing the entire group to come to a halt. ‘Why do they accept it?’

‘They have no choice, Raim,’ said Lady Chabi, ‘Life is different here. You are in Durhan no longer.’ She signaled for her litter to start moving again, and Raim picked up his pace. But he kept glancing at the slaves carrying their masters around, and shook his head slowly. They didn’t have slavery in Darhan. They had strict laws about oaths, they had exile, prisons, execution—but they didn’t own people. They didn’t own land, either. Raim could hardly be surprised that people who enslaved their land did the same to their inhabitants. It sent a shiver down his spine. Maybe someone from the North would be a better ruler here."

Torn between rescuing the girl he loves and securing the future safety of his people (both at the hands of a ruthless usurper), young Raim reluctantly chooses the latter in Amy McCulloch’s The Shadow’s Curse, sequel to The Oathbreaker’s Shadow. Convinced that he is the last descendant of Hao, and subsequently the one true heir to the throne of Darhan, Raim journeys deep into the lands of the South in order to rid himself of the scar which brands him an outlaw and prevents him from becoming leader of his people. While he is received as a Saviour, Raim can’t help but notice that his presence seems amiss with the Southern King and Lady Chabi, Raim’s recently discovered mother. With hidden forces conspiring all around him, Raim nevertheless continues with plans to march north against Khareh (who approaches with an army of his own). Fortunately for him, he has an ally in the enemy’s camp in Wadi, and the protection of his shadow (Draikh) along with his ever-increasing sage powers.

     This time around, Wadi’s perspective is added alongside Raim’s to help narrate the story. Although not particularly essential to the plot, Wadi’s point-of-view is invaluable as a source of information providing insight into Khareh’s ambitions and vision as Khan, an aspect which is lacking in the series opener. What is revealed is a character who is both sadistic and pragmatic, yet hopelessly blinded by a deep desire to achieve greatness no matter the cost. Readers will revel in Khareh’s complexity, judging him to be a near perfect antagonist.

     This time around, Wadi’s perspective is added alongside Raim’s to help narrate the story. Although not particularly essential to the plot, Wadi’s point-of-view is invaluable as a source of information providing insight into Khareh’s ambitions and vision as Khan, an aspect which is lacking in the series opener. What is revealed is a character who is both sadistic and pragmatic, yet hopelessly blinded by a deep desire to achieve greatness no matter the cost. Readers will revel in Khareh’s complexity, judging him to be a near perfect antagonist.

     Although, appropriate summaries of plot-related events are incorporated throughout The Shadow’s Curse, The Oathbreaker’s Shadow should be considered required reading. Failure to do so risks oversimplifying the unique desert world McCulloch has created as well as lessening any understanding of Raim and Wadi’s relationship. Of these two instances, readers who have not read the previous book will perhaps struggle most with the romance between Raim and Wadi as both characters share few scenes together (and even then not until the closing chapters) none of which explain the genesis of their love. Conversely, readers unfamiliar with the nomadic lifestyle of Darhan society will, at least, have the benefit of parallels drawn from life under the rule of the Southern King. Reading about the seemingly different traditions, institutions, and values encountered by Raim may awaken readers to the glaring contrast of wealth and poverty, (and even injustice) which may exist in their own world. For maximum effect, both books in the series should be read closely together. Only when this is done can true appreciation of McCulloch’s story be had. A must-read for fans of epic-fantasy looking to break away from the norm of the genre.

Recommended.

Andrew Laudicina, a MLIS graduate from the University of Western Ontario in London, currently resides in Windsor, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

CM Home | Next Review | (Table of Contents for This Issue - November 7, 2014.) | Back Issues | Search | CM Archive | Profiles Archive