ShadowBane

ShadowBane opens with intense imagery of a small band on a quest to decimate an influx of terrifying beasts. Shura and Jin, twins of the Shikōken, are demon hunters of the highest order. Despite their pasts of despair and ruin, they still adhere to the calling of the great gods to save humanity. The pair is trapped in an ever-evolving political battle in order to gain backing for the war that is to come. But, as with most governmental discussions, a stalemate leaves them in a state of frustration. With their companions, Wallace, a young foreigner, and Feng, the protective tiger, they may be able to save the world from ruin. But, the path of lies and deceit is palpable and warriors can only survive for so long.

As the story manages to unfold, a series of bloodbaths makes you wonder how the characters have survived at all. The sheer disrespect and abuse they have endured has you questioning their motives and why they would even bother to help the royalty that treats them unfairly. Battle after battle, wound after wound, and the characters are still slopping through small towns in an attempt to quell the advances of the demons and cultists. The whole process feels both tedious and arduous. While I felt the book could have been fine with one (or a few) less battle(s), the novel is well-written, and you truly feel for the plight of the characters. Cal Logan definitely provides dungeon crawler vibes with his endless swarm of ‘bad guys’ and penchant for misfit heroes. ShadowBane is a must read for fans of epic world building, flawed characters, and RPG-style action.