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Legends of the Order #2
The Apprentice in the Master’s Shadow
Sometimes Respect Has To Be Earned The Hard Way.
The end of an arduous apprenticeship is close at hand, and Kayden Jayta unexpectedly learns that being the favoured apprentice of a living legend is not conducive to gaining the respect she deserves. With little time left to change perceptions, simmering resentment persuades her that drastic action is required to redress the slights of her detractors. Measures that may jeopardise her induction into the Order, and endanger her life.
An overheard conversation presents Kayden with both the means and justification to pursue her objective. The key to attaining the respect she craves lies beyond the borders of the Nine Kingdoms. But the window of opportunity is small; the danger she must face, great; and the price of failure, greater still. Undeterred, she will allow nothing and no one to hinder her from the path she must walk.
The one-woman mission to a foreign land will test Kayden’s abilities like never before. If she is to succeed in her dangerous manhunt, she must overcome enemies new and old before facing an adversary she maybe ill-equipped to defeat. And little does she suspect that her reckless endeavour will have unintended consequences, forcing the legendary Fay Annis to confront her infamous past.
But the trials and tribulations that lie ahead must surely be worth the risk, for only unprecedented action will permit the headstrong apprentice to step out of her master’s shadow.
The end of an arduous apprenticeship is close at hand, and Kayden Jayta unexpectedly learns that being the favoured apprentice of a living legend is not conducive to gaining the respect she deserves. With little time left to change perceptions, simmering resentment persuades her that drastic action is required to redress the slights of her detractors. Measures that may jeopardise her induction into the Order, and endanger her life.
An overheard conversation presents Kayden with both the means and justification to pursue her objective. The key to attaining the respect she craves lies beyond the borders of the Nine Kingdoms. But the window of opportunity is small; the danger she must face, great; and the price of failure, greater still. Undeterred, she will allow nothing and no one to hinder her from the path she must walk.
The one-woman mission to a foreign land will test Kayden’s abilities like never before. If she is to succeed in her dangerous manhunt, she must overcome enemies new and old before facing an adversary she maybe ill-equipped to defeat. And little does she suspect that her reckless endeavour will have unintended consequences, forcing the legendary Fay Annis to confront her infamous past.
But the trials and tribulations that lie ahead must surely be worth the risk, for only unprecedented action will permit the headstrong apprentice to step out of her master’s shadow.
636 pages, Paperback
First published May 4, 2020
8 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Ian Gregoire
3 books230 followersThe reclusive Ian Gregoire is a taciturn introvert residing somewhere in London, where he was born and raised. Of all life’s diversions, reading and writing are the only ones he ever deemed worthwhile enough to be passionate about. This eventually led to his belated decision to pursue his true calling in life as a fantasy and science fiction author. His debut novel, The Exercise Of Vital Powers, is just the first of many books he intends to inflict upon an unsuspecting world.
On the occasions he steps out of his reading and writing comfort zone, Ian has a fondness for computing, melancholy music, retro gaming, and Asian Cinema. Ian also loves peace and quiet, something that is in frustratingly short supply in his life.
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On the occasions he steps out of his reading and writing comfort zone, Ian has a fondness for computing, melancholy music, retro gaming, and Asian Cinema. Ian also loves peace and quiet, something that is in frustratingly short supply in his life.
Subscribe to my author Newsletter
Vist my Official Website and Personal Blog
Make tip jar donations via Ko-fi or PayPal
Follow me on social media:
Facebook | Last.fm | Pinterest | Tumblr | Twitter
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 23, 2020
You know what, I loved this. I absolutely enjoyed book #1, but this one was a step up, and I really couldn't help but to devour it. This almost reminds me of a grown-up Harry Potter where the main character is a fiesty and firey young lady called Kayden. She's not afraid to be sexy and sassy and full of rage and revenge, but she's also got a past she's learning from and a master who's helping her discover who she is. She has amazing skill and potential, and yet she struggles too with her emotions and her impulses, making her feel much more 'real'.
This book follows on from the end of the first with a strong plot about an attempted assassination at the Order and Kayden's subsequent decision to find the one responsible. Kayden's journey shows her determination and grit, but it also shows how far she's come and how she's changed and been mentored along the way.
I love the relationship between Master Fay and Kayden as I just think it's developed so naturally and beautifully. The characters feel real and they feel connected and caring and like they really know one another. I could relate to both characters in their predicaments, and I enjoyed their way of dealing with each other and their plotlines.
Honestly, I hoped I'd enjoy this one more, but with a second book you never know and I've had a lot of flops as a sequel...this was far from a flop. I devoured the story and the magic and I am so excited to find out what will happen next as the series seems set to go on. I loved it and I highly, highly recommend checking out the series as it's such a fun one and has some dark twisty moments which make it complex too. 5*s!
This book follows on from the end of the first with a strong plot about an attempted assassination at the Order and Kayden's subsequent decision to find the one responsible. Kayden's journey shows her determination and grit, but it also shows how far she's come and how she's changed and been mentored along the way.
I love the relationship between Master Fay and Kayden as I just think it's developed so naturally and beautifully. The characters feel real and they feel connected and caring and like they really know one another. I could relate to both characters in their predicaments, and I enjoyed their way of dealing with each other and their plotlines.
Honestly, I hoped I'd enjoy this one more, but with a second book you never know and I've had a lot of flops as a sequel...this was far from a flop. I devoured the story and the magic and I am so excited to find out what will happen next as the series seems set to go on. I loved it and I highly, highly recommend checking out the series as it's such a fun one and has some dark twisty moments which make it complex too. 5*s!
Currently reading
May 22, 2022As the author of the book it wouldn’t really be appropriate to give a rating to my own work, but I can say that I am very proud of this novel.
May 17, 2020
It looks like I'm the first person on Goodreads to finish reading this, and what an honor that is for me. Now I feel obliged to leave a mini review.
The Apprentice In The Master’s Shadow is awesome. From the very first chapter I knew I was reading something special. It hooked me quickly and simply wouldn't let me go. The story has so many twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew where it was heading it would throw me a curveball. What an unbelievable adventure Kayden and Fay took me on, and without giving any spoilers I got really emotional during the final few chapters. It’s not often a fantasy book tugs at my heartstrings like that.
I thought The Exercise Of Vital Powers was excellent, but this is on another level. Great writing, great characters (especially the two heroines), and great world building. The next book, if there is one, can’t come soon enough.
The Apprentice In The Master’s Shadow is awesome. From the very first chapter I knew I was reading something special. It hooked me quickly and simply wouldn't let me go. The story has so many twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew where it was heading it would throw me a curveball. What an unbelievable adventure Kayden and Fay took me on, and without giving any spoilers I got really emotional during the final few chapters. It’s not often a fantasy book tugs at my heartstrings like that.
I thought The Exercise Of Vital Powers was excellent, but this is on another level. Great writing, great characters (especially the two heroines), and great world building. The next book, if there is one, can’t come soon enough.
June 1, 2020
The first book of the series was an unexpected surprise to read for me, so I went into this sequel with hopes that it would be just as good. Even so, I never imagined that The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow would be so much better than its predecessor. The author significantly "upped his game", producing a novel that further showcases his strength as a storyteller who can weave a well crafted narrative. This is a book that took me by surprise on a number of occasions, and kept me guessing all the way to the end, with all its twists and turns.
Though it is a long book, it did not feel like one while I was reading. It was so difficult to put the book down once I reached the end of a chapter because I just wanted to keep going to find out what happens next. I think the author would make a good thriller writer if he becomes bored of fantasy. It's even more apparent now that he has the knack for getting the pacing of a story just right.
With regard to the actual plot, I really loved the story line, especially the manner in which events helped to further develop the two main characters, both as individuals and as a teacher-student friendship. I appreciated getting to know Kayden and Fay better. The development of their heart-warming relationship is definitely one of the highlights of the book, leaving me quite emotional given how the story ends.
The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow is a great sequel. All serious fantasy readers should buy and read it, though you will probably have to read The Exercise Of Powers first to get the most out of it.
Though it is a long book, it did not feel like one while I was reading. It was so difficult to put the book down once I reached the end of a chapter because I just wanted to keep going to find out what happens next. I think the author would make a good thriller writer if he becomes bored of fantasy. It's even more apparent now that he has the knack for getting the pacing of a story just right.
With regard to the actual plot, I really loved the story line, especially the manner in which events helped to further develop the two main characters, both as individuals and as a teacher-student friendship. I appreciated getting to know Kayden and Fay better. The development of their heart-warming relationship is definitely one of the highlights of the book, leaving me quite emotional given how the story ends.
The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow is a great sequel. All serious fantasy readers should buy and read it, though you will probably have to read The Exercise Of Powers first to get the most out of it.
February 15, 2024
What a fantastic read. This book had me engrossed from beginning to end. I pretty much knew it was getting 5 stars after just reading the first chapter, and at no point during the story was that ever in doubt. It continuously got better and better, throwing more and more unexpected surprises my way.
Even though I knew Kayden was going to get herself into trouble I had no idea things would go the way they did. It's crazy that she'd put herself through all that just to earn the respect of people she doesn't even care about. And in the end was it really worth it?
There's so much more I want to say about the story but I don't want to give away spoilers. I think the less readers no beforehand the better. One thing I can say is that the book is even better than The Exercise of Vital Powers, which I loved, and I really hope there'll be another sequel, though I imagine it would have to be quite different given how this book ultimately ends.
All in all, I'd be amazed if I read another fantasy novel this year that has me on the edge of my seat in the same way as The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow. I don't normally read long books as quickly as this, but it's not often I read a story that's as hard to put down. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a page turning fantasy adventure featuring a feisty, kick-ass bitch.
Even though I knew Kayden was going to get herself into trouble I had no idea things would go the way they did. It's crazy that she'd put herself through all that just to earn the respect of people she doesn't even care about. And in the end was it really worth it?
There's so much more I want to say about the story but I don't want to give away spoilers. I think the less readers no beforehand the better. One thing I can say is that the book is even better than The Exercise of Vital Powers, which I loved, and I really hope there'll be another sequel, though I imagine it would have to be quite different given how this book ultimately ends.
All in all, I'd be amazed if I read another fantasy novel this year that has me on the edge of my seat in the same way as The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow. I don't normally read long books as quickly as this, but it's not often I read a story that's as hard to put down. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a page turning fantasy adventure featuring a feisty, kick-ass bitch.
March 11, 2023
An incredible sequel. This story has everything I like in a fantasy tale, and has cemented me as a fan of the author. I can't wait to read whatever he writes next: hopefully a continuation of the series, though I could accept this as the conclusion.
June 25, 2020
I purchased this straight after I'd finished reading The Exercise Of Vital Powers (which I received a free review copy of from the author) and I had high expectations given how much I enjoyed the book. To say that my expectations were greatly exceeded would be a major understatement. This is such a great story, with lots of surprising twists. I'm not an avid fantasy reader by any means, but The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow is one of the very best books in the genre I have ever read. Too bad it is a self-published title by an unknown author because I suspect few people will give the book the time of day, which is a travesty.
As someone who primarily reads thrillers, the biggest compliment I can give to the author is that narratively he writes like a thriller author, though it must be said his prose is better than many such writers I have enjoyed reading in the past.
As someone who primarily reads thrillers, the biggest compliment I can give to the author is that narratively he writes like a thriller author, though it must be said his prose is better than many such writers I have enjoyed reading in the past.
September 18, 2020
WOAH!!! Now I'm wondering if I gave too high a rating to The Exercise Of Vital Powers because this sequel is better in every department.
September 1, 2020
Brilliant! The only word to describe it The intrigue and the adventure left me unable to put down this title. This author really needs to be recognised for his talent. I'm really looking forward to the follow up title. I'm not going to say anything more as you should go into this book with as little knowledge of the plot as possible. Then be prepared to be transported to a different world. Pure escapism! - the kind you experience from a really good book.
October 24, 2022
Stand aside Katsa! Stand aside Sabriel! Stand aside Celaena Sardothien! And Katnis Everdeen, you can stand aside, too. Kayden Jayta has entered the building.
There is only word I can use to describe this book, and that word is: AMAZING!!! Not only that, but The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow has firmly established Kayden as my new favourite female protagonist in fantasy. Long may she reign. 👑
There is only word I can use to describe this book, and that word is: AMAZING!!! Not only that, but The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow has firmly established Kayden as my new favourite female protagonist in fantasy. Long may she reign. 👑
March 24, 2021
How this masterpiece has so few ratings and reviews is a mystery to me. Presumably, negative assumptions about the quality of self-published books plays a part, though there's little doubt that The Apprentice In The Master's Shadow is superior to many traditionally published novels that have benefitted greatly from unwarranted, manufactured hype in recent years.
I look forward to reading anything (and everything) the author writes in future, because I know a master storyteller when I read one.
I look forward to reading anything (and everything) the author writes in future, because I know a master storyteller when I read one.
January 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next instalment. Thanks for a brief escape from lockdown.
June 13, 2021
Simply Amazing!!! RTC
January 9, 2022
If the first novel of this saga already seemed weak, this second one is even more boring than the previous one.
The plot is completely absurd and Kayden is even more unbelievable and excessive than in the previous novel.
I had a hard time finishing the novel because at no point did I feel the slightest hint of credibility in the plot.
The plot is completely absurd and Kayden is even more unbelievable and excessive than in the previous novel.
I had a hard time finishing the novel because at no point did I feel the slightest hint of credibility in the plot.
December 28, 2021
One of my all-time favourite fantasy novels.
June 12, 2024
First i must confess, i am not really good at reviewing but I felt compelled to contribute to encourage the author to continue, hence this succinct review....
After trawling through pages and pages of goodreads reviews on what to read next, I came across this series. I wanted to read something like red sister/blood song/name of the wind/ryria/nevernight etc.., this series had me hooked and i couldn't out down the books. It has scope to expand into a massive world of adventure, simply fantastic, keep at it Ian!
After trawling through pages and pages of goodreads reviews on what to read next, I came across this series. I wanted to read something like red sister/blood song/name of the wind/ryria/nevernight etc.., this series had me hooked and i couldn't out down the books. It has scope to expand into a massive world of adventure, simply fantastic, keep at it Ian!
November 24, 2020
It was a good solid read. what I would refer to as easy reading. The book did have some chapters that I thought were Unable to give consistency to the rest of the book. In the end I look forward to the next book which is what a good book should do it takes you somewhere and makes you wanna go back.🤔
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews