Shadow Hunt

If you enjoyed the first book then you should enjoy this one. Simple, eh? Shadow is a oversexed, hard drinking, hard fighting, short Elf who likes to steal things from people. Valuable things. And now she is, once again, in trouble. It seems a very powerful Mage is trying to pin a crime on her. And she has no idea why! No, really, she hasn't a clue. So of course she has to go find out. But she may need some backup. Good characters, swift action, but a somewhat weak plot with a funny twist near the end. Don't worry, I won't give it away.

Reviewed by Kylee J. Yeaman for Reader Views (4/07) "Shadow Hunt" is one of eleven books by Anne Logston. It is the second book in a seven-book series. The first book is "Shadow." Shadow, a small Elf in a world where most Elves are taller than humans, is the mistress of the Guild of Thieves. Blade is a human assassin, the best in her field. The two team up, somewhat reluctantly on both parts, to track down a magician/sorcerer and the gem that he is believed to have stolen. Most in their community believe that Shadow herself has stolen the gem. Knowing that Blade has a past grievance against the magician, Baloran, Shadow propositions Blade for her help. Shadow dangles in front of Blade the opportunity to pay Baloran back for however he has wronged her. I did not, unfortunately, read the first book before reading "Shadow Hunt." There were a handful of places in the book that left me feeling like I was missing a piece of information. This in no way, however, made me confused or took away any enjoyment for me. "Then there was another faint sound, even less than before - perhaps only the rustle of clothing or a hiss of breath - but it was enough for Shadow's sensitive ears. She imagined a line through the fog and, without another thought, followed it directly toward Spirit Lake." What does Shadow find when she reaches Spirit Lake? You'll need to pick up the book and read it! I'm not going to TELL you. This is a terrific adventure story. I love the fact that both lead characters are female. They are not damsels in need of rescuing. Shadow and Blade are the "kick butt and don't bother taking names" type. This is a book I would gladly let my 13-year-old daughter read. Books with wonderful, strong, witty female heroines are something I enjoy reading and something I want my daughters to read. Girls need that. And as a woman myself, it is something I enjoy reading and unfortunately do not get the chance to read very often. "Shadow Hunt" would be enjoyed by anyone who, like me, is already a fan of the fantasy/adventure genre, especially for those who like books by Elizabeth Haydon and David and Leigh Eddings.

This book belongs to the Shadow trilogy, and in these novels the pace never slows. Shadow is a loveable and feisty elf with wandering feet, eyes, and hands. If you asked her to pick between wine, men, and treasure -- well, she couldn't. But although she denies it, she's pretty fond of her friends, even the humans. Every time you pick up a Shadow novel, expect an adventure, because that's exactly what Shadow's going to give you! This time around, Shadow's been blamed for stealing something -- and she didn't even do it. The irony is killer, but not as killer as the factions threatening to break apart the city of Allanmere. As Mistress of the Thieves' Guild, Shadow reluctantly concludes it's in everyone's best interests to find the item. She only has one lead, though -- the incredibly powerful man to whom it originally belonged, long ago. But isn't he dead by now? Her "friend", the notorious assassin Blade, seems to believe otherwise. Blade also seems to have motives of her own, deeply intertwined with her mysterious past. The two end up joining forces to recover the item and exact some revenge, but they're far from unexpected... either of them. Can Shadow squeeze out of this predicament, and save her friends' hides while she's at it? And maybe, just maybe help herself to a little bit of the treasure? These days, fantasy novels tend to be longer and more "epic", but nothing can replace a good Shadow adventure. If you want a good time with memorable characters and intriguing situations, wrapped up in a fun and fast-moving plot, then don't pass these novels up.

I read this book and couldn't put it down for a minute. I LOVED it! Ms. Logston has done it again by bringing to life a very lovable elf and entangling her in another problem. The creative way she then gets her out kept me on the edge of my seat from page one.