For fans of epic fantasy with adventure and romance, Curse of Shadows reveals a world of unique magic, breathtaking action, and unforgettable love. Amassia teeters on the brink of the next Great Dying. The second sun has returned as our Bone Throwers foresaw―casting the nine realms into war. My name is Ash, and I fell in the battle for Baiseen. But I’m awake now, slowly putting the pieces back together. My Heir has lost his throne. My sailor is gone. And there is an emptiness inside me I can’t explain. Amid the chaos, someone must collect the original twelve whistle bones from all corners of the world. Marcus is named to lead the cause, but with his volatile phantom, he’ll need diplomacy as much as his sword. And we are not the only ones to seek the bones. Yet succeed we must. Because if we don’t, it will be death to all… The Amassia series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Crown of Bones Book #2 Curse of Shadows Gr 9 Up-In this second title in Wilder's "Amassia Series," strong relationships continue to be at the core. Similar to the first book, Crown of Bones, the viewpoints of the three main characters, Marcus, Ash, and Kaylin, alternate chapters as the story picks up where the previous book ended. Marcus has lost his position as Heir to the Throne and instead is named the next Bone Gatherer, who is tasked to gather the 12 whistle bones comprising the crown of bones and protect the realms once the second sun appears in the sky as an omen of the next Great Dying. As the three main characters begin the epic quest to stop the end of the world, Wilder's skillful worldbuilding shines from believable secondary characters to magical society norms to settings ranging from cities to hamlets to underwater kingdoms. Wilder has created a magical, enthralling world that keeps readers engaged from the first page. The main male characters are assumed to be white, while Ash is a strong white female lead. There are many diverse secondary characters and all relationship interactions are age appropriate. VERDICT Recommended for all fantasy fans and especially those who enjoyed the "Shadow and Bone" trilogy by Leigh Bardugo and "The Bone Witch" trilogy by Rin Chupeco.-Susan Catlettα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. " An incredible sequel ! It did not disappoint! I loved the adventurous plots of these books and the fast pacing of the story." -Very Peculiar Books " I can't believe this book isn't talked about more, but I will make it my mission to get this book the love it deserves ." -Taylaa Reads " Tremendously action packed, a perfect follow-on to Crown of Bones, and DEFINITELY a fantasy series that needs a lot more love and attention than it's currently getting in our fantasy-obsessed booktok world. " -Dannie Fountain " I really enjoyed this book ." -The Novel Sentiment " A bone chilling wonder of an epic adventure that spans the world and back again Curse of Shadows is that rare book that pulls you in and keeps you at the edge of your seat as you wait to see which of our characters will make it home, who is truly good and who makes you cry at their betrayal." -Ann's Bibliotherapy "AK Wilder does it again with Curse of Shadows. What an intense and amazing journey ! This book was written so well I could visualize the amazing world AK Wilder created as if I were there!" -Lynn Rush, NYT & USA Today Bestselling Author " I am loving this series so much!!!!! This story takes off right where the events of the first book needed and the surprises that A. K. Wilder had in store were absolutely mind blowing. The worldbuilding that went into this story is absolutely wonderful." -Always 1 More Book " The lore and world-building are so rich and intricate . The scenes are remarkably painted with vivid detail." -Just Peachy Editorial " I really liked the plot, the magic system (the idea of people having phantoms as part of them just like Peter Pan, is very innovative!!) and the characters !!!" -Fedy the Reader " This book is terrific, spectacular, a fabulous and a must, must read ." -Calley Cat "For fans of epic fantasy with adventure and romance, Curse of Shadows reveals a world of unique magic, breathtaking action, and unforgettable love ." -Gwendalyn Reads " OMG I could not put it down . Just an epic story ..." -Shastar 1980 " Wilder has created a magical, enthralling world that keeps readers engaged from the first page ." -School Library Journal Starred Review "This fantasy sequel introduces higher stakes, bloodier encounters, and a prophecy to end all prophecies ." -Kirkus Reviews A. K. Wilder is an established fantasy writer under the name Kim Falconer. Born on the Wilder Ranch in California, she now lives on the far east coast of Australia. She is an astrologer and tarot reader, like her father before her, and holds multiple degrees, from horseshoeing, herbal medicine, and veterinary nursing, to a