As the Shadow Rises by Amy Rose Pool

The Age of Darkness series continues with new twists and unexpected turns in As the Shadow Rises by Amy Rose Pool.

The Last Prophet has been found, yet he sees destruction ahead.

In this sequel to the critically-acclaimed There Will Come a Darkness, kingdoms have begun to fall to a doomsday cult, the magical Graced are being persecuted, and an ancient power threatens to break free. But with the world hurtling toward its prophesized end, Anton’s haunting vision reveals the dangerous beginnings of a plan to stop the Age of Darkness.

As Jude, Keeper of the Order of the Last Light, returns home in disgrace, his quest to aid the Prophet is complicated by his growing feelings for Anton. Meanwhile, the assassin known as the Pale Hand will stop at nothing to find her undead sister before she dies for good, even if it means letting the world burn. And in Nazirah, Hassan, the kingdom-less Prince, forms a risky pact to try to regain his throne. When the forces of light and darkness collide in the City of Mercy, old wounds are reopened, new alliances are tested, and the end of the world begins.

It had been a while since I read the first book in this series, but it all came back to me fairly well once I started reading, and I was once again sucked into this world.

I loved being re-submerged into the multiple storylines and the magic of this world. I was hooked again, and eager to see how events would unfold. I loved the twists, the reveals, and seeing how the characters evolved and adapted as the story progressed. And it certainly progressed quickly.

There were a few times where I felt like the author “told” rather than “showed;” in some ways, it made those parts of the book feel rushed — but at the same time, I appreciated the fast pace. (I know, I know.) For such a hefty-sized book, it was a fairly quick read.

As the Shadow Rises was a solid addition to the series, and I am eager to see how everything concludes in the third book. As the Shadow Rises is available now.