- The Shadow of What Was Lost – Review
James Islington’s debut novel didn’t talk my list of best fantasy novels read in my time, but it did crack the code for excellence in presenting a fantastic foundation as a fantasy writer in the modern day. - An Echo of Things to Come – Review
An Echo of Things to Come had me gripped at times—but never tightly. It held a touch-and-go grasp on my interest, never quite pulling me fully into its world. - The Light of All That Falls – Review
The climactic end of James Islington’s debut trilogy comes together like a Scooby-Doo stamp sandwich: packed with all the meat, lettuce, cheese, and assorted fillings, but squeezed between two soggy slices of bread. It might be a tasty bite, sure—but it doesn’t hold together well enough to earn the kind of ending it’s going for.
About The Series –
Bechdal Test – Pass
Mako Mori Test – Soft Pass
Vito Russo Test – Fail
DuVerney Test – Speculative (Uncertain due to lack of clarity regarding ethnicity)
What I Liked vs What I didn’t like
| PROS | CONS |
| Strong World Building | Underdeveloped Villains |
| Good Introduction | Disproportionate Time With Protagonists |
| Consistent Themes | Lack of Side Character Development |
| No Filler Chapters | Plot Armour |
| Complicated Protagonist | Anti-climactic Fight Scenes |
| Interesting Discussions on Theology | Predictable Ending |
| Flawed Hero | |
| Good Structure | |
| Enjoyable Humour |
Final Score For Series – 7/10
