Review: The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston
Blurb:
A gender-flipped Die Hard set in a mysterious castle, Cameron Johnston's The Last Shield is an engaging fantasy read, perfect for fans of John Gwynne and Mark Lawrence.
The ancient forest realm of Sunweald is bordered on two sides by far mightier nations – a precarious situation. At its centre, the Sunweald Palace is home to the Lord Regent and the heir to the throne, together with numerous precious and powerful artefacts. The Palace is protected by the realm's elite Shields, dedicated to guarding the royal line against all foes.
A group of vicious brigands called the Wildwood Reivers have been stealing arcane artefacts and smuggling them across the borders, out of Sunweald. And the objects they most desire are stored in the mystical Wyrm Vault, hidden away deep in the bones of the earth, within the walls of the Palace itself.
As political and religious tensions mount, Sunweald's druids prepare to enact rituals for the Summer Solstice – but the Wildwood Reivers and their treacherous allies have other plans. It falls to Briar, the commander of the Shields, to defend the ancient corridors and secret tunnels of the Palace. The odds may be against her, but she'll see every enemy head adorning a spike or she'll die trying…
Review:
The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston follows Briar, a hardened and seasoned Shield of Sunweald, who has been grievously wounded in battle. Now, with her strength fading and her body broken, she takes one final stand against treacherous foes who have seized control of the palace. These enemies, driven by dark ambitions, seek to unleash an unspeakable evil upon the lands, a force so ancient and malevolent that its return would bring ruin to all. As Briar fights to protect what remains of her kingdom, she must confront not only the enemies before her but also the limits of her own endurance, proving that even a battered shield can hold firm against the tide of darkness.
I became aware of this novel due to The Broken Binding doing a special edition and I was immediately captivated by the cover art. The striking image of a lone warrior standing at the mouth of a massive dragon skull fueled my imagination, sparking theories about dragons and ancient artifacts. While I was only half right about ancient artifacts playing a role, though dragons did not, my curiosity was piqued. The glowing praise on Goodreads and my desire to support more indie authors made picking up The Last Shield an easy decision.
The story reminded me of stealth-based video games, where a castle is overrun by the enemy, and the lone survivor must eliminate the opposition to reclaim the kingdom. However, Cameron Johnston brings a level of realism that sets The Last Shield apart. Briar’s injuries are not conveniently ignored; they are a constant struggle that influences her every decision. She cannot charge into battle unscathed, forcing her to rely on cunning and unorthodox tactics to outmaneuver her foes and rescue hostages. This added depth makes the story all the more gripping.
One of the book’s strengths is its small but memorable cast of characters. Briar, as the main protagonist, commands attention, not just because of her sheer determination but also because of how Johnston showcases her combat prowess. Instead of simply telling readers she is feared, we see it in the reactions of the traitors and the enemies she faces. Another standout is Kester, the next in line to rule. Initially a pampered noble, he undergoes significant growth under Briar’s mentorship. She provides him with a harsh but necessary reality check, teaching him what it means to lead and make difficult decisions for the good of the kingdom. By the latter half of the novel, Kester proves his worth, making choices that demonstrate his transformation into a leader willing to do whatever it takes
On the opposing side, the novel boasts a formidable villain, an enigmatic sorceress capable of raising the dead and commanding demons. Her presence looms over the story, and the potential for an epic confrontation was immense. However, I found the climax slightly underwhelming; after such a strong buildup, I had hoped for a more intense final battle. Similarly, there is a pivotal moment involving Kester where his survival feels unexplained. The scene fades to darkness without revealing how he escapes, which left me feeling confused. It’s possible this mystery is meant to be addressed in a sequel, but for now, it stands as a lingering question.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its dedication to realism, particularly regarding Briar’s injury. Her wound is not magically healed or conveniently brushed aside; it remains a persistent obstacle she must contend with throughout the story. While the emphasis on her suffering was extensive in the lead-up to the siege, it served an important purpose. It reinforced her unyielding nature, her unwillingness to show weakness, and the sheer mental and physical toll it took on her. This commitment to authenticity made Briar’s struggle all the more compelling.
In conclusion The Last Shield by Cameron Johnston delivers a thrilling, gritty fantasy tale that balances intense action with deep character exploration. Fans of realistic, character-driven fantasy will appreciate the novel’s brutal yet immersive storytelling. If you enjoy stories of resilience, tactical combat, and a protagonist who refuses to back down, this book is definitely worth picking up.
