Niri Lakani is the last surviving heir to the throne of Annwn, uncrowned ruler of the realm of Arawyn, sorceress master of the five elements and warrior guardian of Qi. She fights dark forces all across the magical realms as she looks to defeat the Mistress Witch with some help from some newfound friends.

This is about as close to a DNF as I've ever come with a book. I was absolutely ready to delete this from my Kindle about 20% into it when I thought I'd see what others were saying about it. Seeing an overall rating of 4.63 on Goodreads, with only five and four star ratings I was shocked! Clearly I was missing something, or the book was going to get much, much better.

I wasn't, and it didn't.

I continued because it was either going to be a really good book, OR there needed to be some reviews that provided a different viewpoint.

First off, let's talk story. There's nothing that really happens here. Seriously. It's a "wander" book - characters walk around and get into scraps. The purpose of their wandering never becomes strong enough to make this an actual quest. It is mentioned, but the characters never seem to feel impelled to a sense of urgency to accomplish the goal. Instead, we get characters who fight a little (and not always in a manner that advances this goal) and hang around and talk a lot.

Now style. This is told in first person. It's an odd choice because it really limits the story to what's happening to one person and we only get their perspective on everything that's happening. (Well, sort of, but more on that in a moment.) But it's been done before and it could be fine, if it works. But I think it's partly this style that slows the book down.

Niri spends a lot of time talking about her feelings and what's going on around her - things that aren't, again, relevant to this important quest. We also learn later that this is a journal. And yet she's describing actions in real time:

She hovered over me, raising her sword high overhead with both hands, ready to plunge it down into my chest. I lay there, looking up at her helplessly as she pinned me to the ground with her foot. I must have been injured, for I could not move. Or perhaps it was just another dream intruding on the visions.

This just doesn't have impact. It's first person. We know the teller isn't going to be killed, so where's the danger? And, is this really the way someone writes in their journal?

And with first person narrative, it's almost impossible to avoid sections of info dump:

I had always found the realm of the Lycanthropes fascinating. Some there choose to live primarily as wolves, while others prefer the human form. When I say human form, I mean only that they stand erect and resemble human shape, with human-like faces and hands which are usually hairless. The rest of their bodies remain covered in thick fur with solid pads on the bottoms of their feet and sharp claws instead of toenails. When in human form, they speak human languages; as wolves they speak a language all their own.

The language is also rather problematic. We get an odd mix of what I consider high fantasy language ("Many things did we discuss on our journey," "I shan't be long," "If ever you were to visit my home") and idioms that strike me as more modern ("Good try, pal").

It's a fantasy, so of course there's sex. This feels so ... immature is the best way I can describe it. There's the lesbian connection:

I do not know what prompted me, but we were getting on so well that as we walked between two stalls, I blurted out, "Is it odd that we have both bedded the same man?!" The words came out a little louder than I had intended, much to the amusement of strangers nearby.
Sara laughed and glared back at a few quizzical glances from passersby. "What is odd is that you are a far better kisser than he is!" she answered more discreetly than me.
I think I may have blushed at that. "You are not too bad, yourself," I murmured much more quietly that time. "I have known a few men to fall short of your talents in that regard."

And there's the 'straight' connection:

Gryff and I, in particular, found a new level in our relationship, for that is genuinely what it had become. Though I have always prided myself in being fiercely independent and capable, I must admit I was enjoying the close companionship and intimate bond that had so quickly developed between us. Much to my surprise, I did not even mind those few rare occasions when Gryff took the lead, content as I was just to be in his company and happy for the first time in my life to let someone else make decisions.

Going back to the first person narrative ... I've read books before in which a first person narrative is used but it switches between characters for the different chapters. This book also switches - but not until maybe 9/10 of the way into the book. Then it switches for most of one chapter.

My name is Gryffin MacGregor. I was friend and bed partner to the sorceress Niri Lekani in the months leading up to her disappearance, and I have taken it upon myself to narrate this part of Nirri's journal so there may be a proper ending to her story...

But the chapter is only partly told by Gryff. Niri picks it up at the end. So what was the purpose of this? It must be to give us a really good viewpoint of an action sequence?

"What followed was a fight of epic proportions. I could not begin to relate to you here the many twists and turns, surprises, and shocks I witnessed that day as those two magical beings fought a ferocious battle that surely must rank among the greatest battles of all time."

Um...nope. The climax of the story is too great to actually be described. So we're going to get some special action?

"The next part of the journey I cannot reveal to you in detail, for Torben has sworn us to secrecy. But I can say that the journey was harrowing. And not just because we flew on the backs of dragons!"

Oh, this is so nice. Tease us with what we can't actually enjoy. But maybe as it goes we'll get more...?


"The next portal after that I also cannot tell you about, for its location is a secret known only to Lady Kenna (and now those of us who were there the day we passed through it - though speaking for myself, I doubt if I would ever again be able to find it, should I ever be asked to do so)."

I know I've spent more time on this than I really should, given how much I did not like the book, but given the overwhelming positive reviews, I felt it necessary to show why I've rated this so low. Perhaps I can save someone else some time if they're considering a DNF.

Looking for a good book? Spirit Quest by Tim McRae is a very generic epic fantasy in a field full of such fantasies. It's the Roger Corman's Carnosaur to Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park - a weak copy that some might enjoy, but most won't even bother checking out.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This book is pretty long, which I didn’t mind reading at all. I for one enjoyed the fantasy and magic that Niri and the other characters wheeled. Some these cases were like battles that I have never read before, but boy were they good. The journey that Niri and Gryiff set out on is one set with mystery, riddles and confusion. I loved the heroine side of the story. Niri never gave up. She stayed strong and true to her mission. I would have like for her to have a partner with an equal power as the same as her when taking on the dark forces and the Witch. The book moves slow, but like I said there is so much that happens in the book that’s entertaining, exciting, filled with action and answers to questions you may have. The book I consider a fun read.

I DNF this. book because I felt like I was being talked AT the whole time.
The character just kept going on and on about her life but there wasn't any substance.
It was like I was listening to a boring lecture about something I have no interest in and the professor was saying I did this and I did that and I was blah blah blah.
I wish I could say otherwise.

Ich habe mich über das Buch sehr gefreut. Es ist nicht nur fließend zum lesen sondern auch sehr spannend.

I’m so sorry but I tried multiple times to get into this but I could only get about 20 percent in and what I read was ok just couldn’t vibe or connect with the story

Thank you NetGalley for the e-arc!

Unfortunately i didn't finish the book in time...

But I read about 30% and the little I was able to read, I must say, was good. The storytelling felt more like an essay. I liked that Tin included reference marks and helped the reader to understand this high fantasy world with monsters, kingdom, guilds, klans and such.

The language was easy to understand and follow, the world not to complex, the author was leading and hold my hand as I explored the world and Niri.

Niri is the main heroine and at the first chapter she has already told the reader who she is, what's her background is and later on she is called on a mission by the elements. She is an overpowering character, totally my kind of taste as I like humbling, kind and strong characters. And Niri is! The way she is human is nice to, realistic and adulty. We do get some kisses and horniness, and that just made me laugh during the reading session.

I had to leave the story short after hand, damn to the time limit I had. It was some good action scenes, traveling and a huge gallery of characters. I can only recommend to the ones who like fantasy, kind of slice of life and a easy reading.

Tim McRae’s first book in the Shadow World Universe series, “Spirit Quest”is a dramatic introduction to a fantasy series. Niri sorceress master of the five elements and warrior guardian of Qi must fight the dark magic of the Witch. Niri has sworn to protect the shadow World from evil. Still recovering from a fight with the evil Witch that almost cost her life, she perceives a certain unrest in the wind that something terrible something is coming. Somehow, the Witch has found out where the most powerful magic book known to man. She will do anything to get her hands on it. With such knowledge in her possession, she could destroy everything good in this and all worlds. Will the Witch find the book? Niri knows she is the only one who can stop her. She discovers she doesn’t have to do it alone. Will that help be enough?

The novel is a story of good versus evil. It examines the complexities of the heart and the shadows of the past. The author gives the ancient lore of Spirit Quest which are all well-drawn resulting in a brilliant tapestry of character-driven drama and fantasy epic. I loved how the author provides a window into Niri’s emotions and motivations, it’s more than you find often in most fantasy fiction, including self-doubt, companionship, and the meaning of redemption ...This novel has me waiting for the second book.

Great fantasy about balance between good and evil with some spice mixed in! It was thrilling and had a lot of epic moments.

There was wonderful world building that was easy to get immersed in and im looking forward to seeing what’s in store next for this series.

This was so over the top dramatic in an effort to be overly epic. There was just too much epic too fast. Reminded me of Willow and Tolkien.

I enjoyed reading about Shadowworld, the new world created by the author. In a tale of good vs evil the main character gathers around her a team to defeat their enemies. Some lovely vignettes for the character and I particularly liked Miriel's situation and manifestation (no spoilers). I found the narration by the character about herself a little unusual because the language structure was quite different to other books I have read. It felt quite contained for book 1 of a series which I liked because it had a conclusion while still allowing for a sequel.

Umm, yes please!! This was soo good! Plot was entertaining and kept thing’s moving along nicely. A little spice here and there was nice too. All in all, a great book.

I really was immersed in the first novel of the Shadow World series! The character development and world building were top notch, and I am looking forward to the next book in this series! Thank you for the opportunity to read this!

"Spirit Quest" by Tim McRae immerses
readers into an enchanting fantasy realm
where sorcery, courage, and self-discovery
intertwine. Through the compelling narrative
of Niri Lekani, McRae skillfully weaves a tale
of epic proportions, where the fate of a
kingdom hangs in the balance as Niri
confronts the dark forces threatening her
world.
The vivid imagery and rich character
development draw readers into a world
brimming with magic, adventure, and
profound emotional depth.
McRae's masterful storytelling unfolds layers
of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers on
the edge of their seats as they accompany
Niri on her perilous quest. From the bonds of
friendship to the complexities of love and
redemption, "Spirit Quest" offers a gripping
exploration of the human spirit amidst the
backdrop of a fantastical universe.
With its captivating protagonist and
intricately crafted narrative, this book
promises an unforgettable journey through
realms of both darkness and light.

Spirt Quest is book one in the Shadow World series by Tim McRae. This book takes the reader to an amazing off to world, full of fantastical creatures you could only be so lucky to call your friends. Mr. McRae's writing is so descriptive and so full of life, the readers are practically watching a movie play out in the back of their mind as they read the book, and the emotions that grab hold of you will either make you want to laugh or cry your eyes out depending on which scene you are in. Spirit Quest has a bit of a theme similarity to two different movies. One is called Red Sonja starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the other is called Beast Master starring Marc Singer, which only adds to the fun storytelling of Mr. McRae. I can't wait to read book two when it comes out!

"Spirit Quest" by Tim McRae is a breathtaking journey into the depths of imagination and beyond. From the moment I cracked open its pages, I found myself transported to the mesmerizing landscapes of the Shadow World, each more captivating than the last. McRae's skillful world-building and vivid imagery pulled me in, immersing me in a realm where magic thrives and mysteries abound.

But what truly sets "Spirit Quest" apart is its heart. Amidst the fantastical wonders, McRae weaves a tale of love, friendship, and redemption that resonates deeply. The protagonist's quest for redemption is not just a plot device; it's a driving force that adds layers of complexity and emotion to the narrative. I found myself rooting for them, feeling their triumphs and setbacks as if they were my own.

McRae's prose is nothing short of enchanting. With each turn of the page, I was spellbound by the beauty of his descriptions, effortlessly painting pictures of a world both wondrous and perilous. It's a testament to his skill as a storyteller that I could lose myself so completely in the Shadow World, feeling as though I was right there alongside the characters, facing dangers and discovering marvels.

In conclusion, "Spirit Quest" is a masterpiece of fantasy literature that will captivate readers from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy enthusiast or simply seeking an escape into a world of magic and adventure, this book delivers in spades. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone in search of a truly enchanting read.

"Spirit Quest" by Tim McRae is a captivating fantasy novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the mystical Shadow World. The story follows a protagonist who explores countless magical spirit realms, each filled with its own enchanting wonders and perils.

What sets "Spirit Quest" apart is its rich world-building and vivid imagery, which bring the Shadow World to life in a way that is both immersive and mesmerizing. McRae's descriptive prose paints a vivid picture of this fantastical realm, making it easy for readers to get lost in its depths.

Beyond its fantastical elements, "Spirit Quest" also delves into themes of love, friendship, and redemption, adding a layer of emotional depth to the narrative. The protagonist's quest for redemption from a haunting secret adds a compelling twist to the story, keeping readers hooked until the very end.

Overall, "Spirit Quest" is a beautifully written novel that will appeal to fans of fantasy and adventure. McRae's storytelling prowess and the depth of the Shadow World make this book a truly enchanting read.