Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Auraq Greystone, once a military officer with a promising future, exists on the fringe of society. Accused of murder, Auraq is on the run from the ax—until two fugitives crash into his solitary life. One is a young man named Kane. The glowing marks on his arm pulse with an otherworldly power, and they have made him the target of a sinister organization called the Order of the Jackal. When the old man protecting Kane dies in an ambush, Auraq swears an oath to take his place.

 

But the runes are far more significant than they realize. They are a message from the shadow realm, a dark memory of the past—one holding evidence of a bloody massacre and its savage architect; one that will shake the kingdom to its foundation. Risking arrest and execution, Auraq fights to get Kane to the capital city where the cryptic marking can be unlocked.  And with assassins close on their trail, Auraq might never get the chance to show Kane what’s in his heart—or the way their journey together has changed him.

 

The Shadow Mark is an epic tale of magic, murder, conspiracy, betrayal, and—for the two men tasked with unraveling the mystery—love and redemption.

 

Book Review

“The knowledge of the past stays with us. To let go is to release the images and emotions, the grudges and fears, the clingings and disappointments of the past that bind our spirit.” ~ Jack Kornfield

After being betrayed, Auraq Greystone, of 'The Shadow Mark' by Mason Thomas, runs away from his distinguished career as a military officer, his home, and his family, in order to keep from being executed. Auraq knows the punishment for his crime and knows the futility of trying to be vindicated. He never tells anyone because he feels it's his sin to bear. Little does he know that several years later, he will meet a young man who will lead him back to the life he deserves.

Auraq has been wandering alone for a long time. He has almost forgotten how being with someone can feel. When a young man, Kane, and his elderly companion come wandering into his camp, Auraq is first cautious, then appreciates their company. Unfortunately, they are ambushed by a sinister group of well-trained assassins. Auraq manages to defeat them, but in the process, the elderly man is killed. His dying wish is that Auraq will get Kane to the safety of those who can help decipher the magical marks on his arm. Aruaq accepts the challenge.

The fact that trained assassins are coming after Kane tells Auraq that whatever the mark on Kane's arm means must be very important indeed. In his determination to keep his promise and get Kane to safety, it is necessary to come out of anonymity and risk his own life to save Kane's. The mission becomes more perilous than they first realized and the depth of deception and betrayal grows exponentially deeper. Reaching their goal seems almost impossible, particularly since they can't completely trust anyone.

Auraq and Kane end up at the king's court where he's granted an audience with the king's uncle. Auraq is constantly on guard, not only because he mistrusts everyone, but for fear of being recognized. Kane is taken away, presumably to be prepared for his meeting with the top mages in the kingdom while Auraq is identified as a murderer and placed under guard to await justice. Auraq surrenders at first, then realizes that instead of being safe, Kane has been delivered to the enemy who wants to kill him.

This book is brilliant. Also, it seems more organized and reads more smoothly than the first. Although I loved Lord Mouse and became truly emotionally invested in him, I admired Auraq as well. He is certainly a man of his word besides being an awesome fighter and protector. His devotion to Kane was touching. It took him a while to see that there was anything deeper there, but, in his own time, he did. Kane may not have been able to wield a sword the way Auraq did, but he had his own special strength that shined through. Both were loyal to a fault. Although I hoped for a happy ending, many times, that didn't seem like a certainty. Thanks, Mason, for the rip-roaring, intriguing tale. I look forward to more in the future.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook and print
Length	Novel, 312 pages/108616 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	13-February-2017
Price	$6.99 ebook, $17.99 paperback, $17.99 bundle
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/the-shadow-mark-by-mason-thomas-8147-b