Shadowmancer Returns

by: G.P. Taylor

Published by: Putnam

Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann

Subtitled: The Curse of Salamander Street

The runaway popular book, Shadowmancer, now has a true sequel (the books Wormwood and Tersias the Oracle were related, but did not follow the same characters).

Taylor has worked in the music industry, and for many years on the Yorkshire Police Force, before becoming ordained as an Episcopalian vicar. He self-published his first book, Shadowmancer, selling his motorcycle to get the money. The book was a hit—on the bestseller lists.

The story of Thomas, Kate and Raphah continues, with Beadle assisting Raphah (who has not died after being thrown overboard, but has been swallowed by a whale!). Jacob Crane, the smuggler captain of The Magenta, takes Kate and Thomas to London. Raphah and Beadle travel to London by coach, fleeing the evil Vicar Demurral and searching for Thomas and Kate. They meet a varied group of travelers, among them Cartaphilus Barghast and the young and magical Lady Tanville Chilnam. When Crane’s his boat is seized, he helps Kate and Thomas to flee to a refuge in Salamander Street.

Crane’s old friend Pallium is oddly different. He is thin, and fixated on counting money—and praises his landlord Galphus. Kate discovers a haunted painting in her room, of a young woman named Isabella. Galphus seems kindly and safe, but is he really? What sorts of shoes does he make in his huge factory filled with child workers? Are Raphah and Beadle being followed by a change-shifter, a nasty huge beast of dog? Some of their fellow travelers seem to be on the same trail, also looking for two children. Who can be trusted? Who will survive?

The three friends are re-united finally at the end of the book, after harrowing dangers, in a cataclysmic and frightening conclusion.

Armchair Interviews says: The imagery, symbols, characters and the depiction of dark magical times is wonderfully wrought.

Author’s Web site: http://www.ShadowMancer.com