The Shadow Rises

Witch-Hunter, Book 1

By: K.S. Marsden

Narrated by: Jonathan Ip

Length: 5 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

When a new witch threat rises, only Hunter Astley can stop it....

In the face of dark magic and evil witches, a secret witch-hunting society works tirelessly to keep them at bay. The Malleus Maleficarum Council has strict rules and practises for eradicating magic.

Due to their work, witches have been almost forgotten, relegated to myth; but the rumours are starting to emerge of a new power that will throw the world into chaos.

As the only seventh generation witch-hunter, Hunter Astley is the best the MMC has to offer. With the help of his colleagues, it’s a race to track down this new threat and stop it...in any way he can.

Part one of the Witch-Hunter trilogy.

©2013 K.S. Marsden (P)2018 K.S. Marsden

The hunter hunt begins...:)

'The Shadow Rises' is the first book in the series - and you can feel it. It has all the elements I like in a good story about the paranormal/witchcraft/magic, but it also has some flaws that are often unavoidable in a first of any series...

The strength of the book are definitely the main characters - Hunter, James and Sophie. They are intriguing, deep, with some well developed background stories, and yet still not so obvious to the reader/listener that you'd say 'I already know everything there's to know about them'... The world of witches and witch hunters is also very well explained, and the idea of the importance of which generation a hunter belongs to and the consequences of that fact gives it a twist not found anywhere else, I think. Another strong point? The description of the development of relationships between different characters is very good - we feel that development, we see the relationships evolving, changing, tightening or loosening...

The weakness of the book, then? There are so many things that have to be explained for the reader/listener to understand the realities of the world created by the author, that the plot itself and the pace of the tale take the background seat and kind of feel slow... There are some scenes of action, good ones (no doubt about that), but there's also so much talk about the world of hunters and their fight against witches that there's not much room left for the actual fight...:)

But that one weakness shouldn't be used as an excuse for you not to give the book a chance. It's a really solid introduction to the series, and it definitely makes you want to read or listen on to find out what happens to Hunter and Sophie and other characters we met...:) Overall, I'd say it's a 3.5 star book - definitely more than 'pretty good' but a bit less than 'great':)

As for the narration, it's very good. I like Mr Ip's interpretation of the male characters, I also like the fact that he doesn't try to sound too feminine when reading females' parts. He adds quite a bit of emotions to the dialogues and makes the whole experience very relaxing.

DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Witches versus Hunters

I really enjoyed this take on the theme of witches versus hunters and the concept of a super (or Shadow) witch. The audiobook has its share of action, violence, twists and turns, and betrayals on all sides. The human witch hunters seem outgunned and outmanned. You wonder if they even stand a chance despite Hunter's skill, leadership, and bravado. Then...BOOM! I have to admit I didn't have any inkling of either of the big surprises that came near the end. I was completely captivated, and I am eager for more of the story. Oddly enough, James was my favorite character. Sophie was too cold and stand-offish, and Hunter was too arrogant. James was loyal, steadfast, bold, and a little snarky. I think his line could produce some quality hunters in the future if he survives, and he's just a good friend.

The narration is excellent. Mr. Ip really captured the mannerisms of the characters from Hunter's arrogant aloofness to James' concern and charm. Even the secondary characters like the General and the nervous Sargeant are clearly depicted.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Good just hard to get into at first

This series I found to be good. I just had a bit of trouble getting into it . but once I did I was all in. I really can't wait to continue the series.

Punished for being born

According to the witch hunters all witches are born evil and it's just a matter of time until they commit terrible crimes. Therefore even before they commit a crime they can be captured and have their magic taken. I really didn't like this concept, to me the witch hunters are a type of racist and that's never OK. Since this is a fundamental part of the story it kind of spoiled the whole thing for me.

However, it is well written, the characters are well developed and if you're willing to accept the above then they story is well developed with some great twists.

The narration is very good, with clear character voices and a well paced delivery.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.

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Thrilling From Start To Finish

The Shadow Rises is thrilling and suspenseful from start to finish. You think you know what is going on but you really don't. The characters and world building are in depth and descriptive. As much as you want to dislike Hunter and his brash egotistical behavior you can't help loving him and feeling for him and his loses. The narrator does an amazing job bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to seeing where the story goes in book 2.

Not bad.

Hunter is a witch hunter, not fancy sparkly wiccans but real Grimm’s style witches. He and his partner James meet a new lady after Hunter rescues her from sacrifice. As the three go about their work a new dark threat emerges. I found this book to be a little slow but still enjoyable. It is book one in the series and I think I will seek out the next one to learn the fate of the three hunters. The narration was very well done. I received a free review copy of this book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

interesting

interested in seeing how this story plays out, so far it is interesting enough to had my interest anyway.

A witch hunter named Hunter... <3

Smart, original, and interesting!! I loved this audiobook. Definitely a series that I can get into!! And I can't wait to read the next book. And I really hope that K.S Marsden continues writing for this series. (I really hope I get to review the next book!) The narration was also very well done. I highly recommend this book!!

This Book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary review.

Enjoyed very much!

Great listening experience! Narration was excellent! Hoping the next one in the series will be as good.

Evil VS The Witch Hunter

George “Hunter” Astley is a unique man. He’s a 7th generation witch hunter who takes his job very seriously. He is employed by the MMC (Malleus Maleficarum Council) and his job is simple. Apprehend and bind each practicing witch’s powers or kill them. While on Holiday, he witnesses a young woman by the name of Sophie almost killed by three witches. Upon his return from his Holiday, Sophie tracks Hunter down and asks him to mentor her since her current mentor died in a house explosion.

Hunter finds himself having feelings for his friends and Sophie – so much so that his life and his mission are jeopardized by his attachment when a new and a far deadlier threat comes to light. Having been persecuted for so long, the witches have a new supporter that will take things to a higher level. Hunter is caught between a rock and a hard place!

The characters were well developed, and the plot had some very interesting plot twists. I enjoyed hearing how “Hunter” evolved when his new-found abilities are discovered. The story was intriguing and held my attention. It’s not a thriller or overly scary but it has a solid foundation that keeps one engaged. I look forward to hearing the continuing story of Hunter! The author, K.S. Marsden used rich descriptions and details to tell the story. The dialog was well done and moved the story appropriately forward. When an author does this well, they keep the listener more engaged. Marsden is skilled at this. This book is one of those that keeps the listener hooked and guessing.

The narrator, Jonathan Ip, gave an excellent performance. He sounded just as I pictured Hunter. He gave a clear and succinct performance that moved the story along through tonal inflections and enthusiasm. IP was definitely Hunter!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook. It was clear and well done.


Disclaimer: This Audiobook was provided free of charge by the author, narrator, and/or publisher in exchange for a non-bias, honest review.