Review: ShadowBane By Cal Logan

Blurb:

One womb, one soul, two fates. One will rise. One will fall.

Shura and Jin are the last of a divine bloodline, operating at the bloodiest fringes of society where they wield might and magic against the demons they are sworn to destroy. For Shura, it’s the only way to restore honor to her lineage and claim her rightful place in the world. For Jin, it’s a matter of begrudging duty—and escaping the influence of the three kings vying for control of the continent.

In their pursuit of the sadistic cult behind the demons’ resurgence, the twins find themselves hunted by an ancient demon harboring a blood vendetta, and are forced to set aside past grudges and seek the kings’ alliance. When Shura discovers a chilling prophecy, she fears that even her newfound allies may not be enough to stem the rising tide of shadow.

Even the palest chance of victory will come at a brutal price. But the prophecy never foretold whose fate would settle the debt: Shura's or her brother's.

Review:

For readers who revel in dark fantasy suffused with visceral violence, this book delivers a unique journey into a feudal world of relentless brutality. From its very first pages, the narrative thrusts you headlong into chaos, maintaining a white-knuckle grip on your attention until the very end. At its core, the story is unquestionably a monster-hunting quest, reminiscent of action-packed video games, but one crafted with sophistication and depth.

“Necessary as it might be sometimes, death is too familiar a face for me to glorify.”

The hauntingly-beautiful, sprawling world created by Logan teems with nightmarish creatures, each more terrifying than the last - all of them elegantly portrayed. These monsters are masterfully conceived and described, lurking in shadows and striking with devastating fury. What makes the setting particularly unnerving is how the line between who is a monster and who isn’t remains perpetually blurred – seemingly innocent elements of the world can transform into deadly threats at any moment, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and uncertainty.

“He stood with a predator’s lazy arrogance the same way Jin stood before men who could do nothing to harm him. He didn’t like the way it felt.”

Combat sequences are rendered with unflinching detail, none of the gore and savagery of warfare is shaded away for the comfort of a reader with a gentler heart. The recurring motto "weak things die" permeates every aspect of the narrative, creating a harsh yet compelling universe where survival depends on strength, cunning, and often brutal necessity. This uncompromising approach to violence and moral ambiguity may not sit well with all, but for the audience it is written for - the book is unquestionably immersive.

“You cannot win a fight if you are a slave to the rhythm of your enemy’s blade.”

Though the story is fast-paced and packed with action sequences, the presentation is much closer to classic epic fantasy than modern litrpg or other gamelit variants. 

The author draws deeply from Asian cultural elements to create rich, layered  world-building that provides a great framework to bind the storyline. Despite being rich in detail, it never feels overwhelming. It was immediately evident that extensive research had gone behind ensuring that the world feels authentic and true to its roots.

“The Shikōken had once been daimyō, favored lords of great importance subject only to the emperor— until they had turned on one another in the wake of the last emperor’s death two hundred years ago.”

Over the many difficult situations  they are repeatedly thrown into, the contrasting personalities of Jin, Shura, and Wallace add a great depth to the story. Each of them bring a distinct personality and perspective to the story, creating dynamic interactions and compelling internal conflicts. Their differing worldviews and approaches to survival in this harsh reality create fascinating tensions and alliances. 

“What use was honor when it could be stripped away and bestowed to suit the needs of those in power?”

As the story progresses, we witness their gradual evolution – their relationships deepen, their perspectives shift, and their emotional journeys become increasingly engaging. The author skillfully avoids simple moral absolutes, instead presenting characters who must navigate complex ethical choices in a world that often demands compromise and sacrifice.

“if it was her time to die, she would die well-dressed, honoring her bloodline.”

Their personal growth arcs are woven seamlessly into the action-packed plot, creating a story that satisfies on both visceral and emotional levels. Through their perspectives, the author draws attention towards the many social biases faced by women and outsiders, the callous games of power played by the power-hungry elite, and the moral depravity of religious fanaticism.

“And they had thought their prayers would save them… Arrogant fools. The only reliable things in this world were the bonds of blood and good, hard steel.”

All in all, if you love grimdark themes and are willing to hop onto a ride that will push your emotions to its limits, this book is a must-read.