While it's derivative and starts slow, it picks up a quarter of the way in and finishes quite strongly. ( )

adventurous dark tense slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes ( )

An amazing read. I started this book thinking it would be predictable and perhaps not as deep as I would hope. I left it slack jawed and wishing I could read the sequel immediately. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. ( )

Davian finds himself with an awkward gift. He’s been touched with the mark that says he can use magic.
One problem.
He can’t.
No matter how hard he tries, how much he studies, he can’t use the ability he’s supposed to. And his final test is in a few days, and failure means severe consequences.
In order to avoid the test, he sets out on a secret mission with his best friend Wirr, leaving his life behind to start an adventure he never expected.
A debut novel by James Islington, the Shadow of What Once was Lost is the first in a series.
I’m doubtful this is the first book he’s ever written, or if it is than he’s one outstanding outliner. It is well thought out, well executed, and entertaining. Hats off to James with such a good story.
The book ponders what most fantasy books do.
What do you do with a special gift when confronted by a threat dangerous enough to destroy the world?
How deep do the ties of friendship run when tested to the limits?
The characters were solid, the world building realistic, and it kept me turning the page.
The emotional payoffs in the book are foreshadowed properly and hit hard. Only in retrospect did I see some of the curveballs coming. The biggest problem for me was convenience during the final battle. The narrative felt contrived at points.
Overall, the good far outweighs the bad, and I’d recommend this book. ( )

The writing is very good, but the story is 100% YA - and does not "suffer" of any trace of originality. I've already read most of its parts before, in other books, but probably its intended public did not - and in here they are well crafted. So I would recommend it to under 20 yo readers, but not for me. And hopefully mr. Islington will also write for adults eventually, cause I would like to read that. ( )