1 Answers2025-12-04 20:28:10
Shadowmagic' is this wild, imaginative fantasy novel by John Lenahan that totally sucked me in from the first page. It follows the story of a teenage boy named Connor who thinks he's just an ordinary guy until his life gets turned upside down. One minute he's chilling in his normal world, and the next, he's dragged into the magical kingdom of Tir na Nog, where trees talk, shadows have powers, and his dad—who he thought was just a quirky professor—turns out to be a legendary sorcerer. The twist? Connor's dad is actually the villain of the story, a dark sorcerer who's been banished but is now trying to reclaim his power. Connor has to navigate this bizarre, dangerous world while figuring out his own hidden abilities and deciding where his loyalties lie.
What I love about 'Shadowmagic' is how it blends humor with high-stakes adventure. Connor's sarcastic voice keeps things light even when the plot gets intense, and the world-building is so creative—like, the magic system is based on shadows, which is such a fresh take. There are talking trees, warrior princesses, and a whole society built around this unique magic. The book also plays with classic coming-of-age themes but throws in enough unpredictability to keep you guessing. By the end, Connor's journey feels personal and epic at the same time, and I couldn't help but root for him even when he made mistakes. It's one of those stories that sticks with you because it’s fun but also has heart.
1 Answers2025-12-04 21:36:51
Shadowmagic' by John Lenahan was such a fun ride—quirky, fast-paced, and packed with that unique blend of mythology and modern snark. It left me craving more, so I totally get why you’d ask about sequels! The good news is, yes, there are two follow-ups: 'Prince of Hazel and Oak' and 'Sons of Macha'. They dive deeper into the world of the Shadowmagic realm, exploring Connor’s journey as he grapples with his heritage, new threats, and some seriously twisted family dynamics. Lenahan keeps the tone light but doesn’t shy away from raising the stakes, which I loved.
What’s cool about the sequels is how they expand the lore without losing that signature humor. 'Prince of Hazel and Oak' introduces fresh challenges and allies, while 'Sons of Macha' wraps up the trilogy with a satisfying mix of chaos and heart. If you enjoyed the first book’s balance of action and wit, these won’t disappoint. Personally, I appreciated how Connor’s growth felt organic—he’s still that relatable, slightly sarcastic kid, but with layers added by each book’s trials. The trilogy as a whole is a solid pick for anyone who likes their fantasy with a side of cheeky charm.
5 Answers2025-12-08 23:37:14
Shadowmagic' is one of those books that sneaks up on you—what starts as a straightforward fantasy adventure quickly layers in clever twists and a surprisingly emotional core. The protagonist, Connor, isn’t your typical chosen one; he’s snarky, flawed, and genuinely struggles with the wild world he’s thrown into. The blend of Celtic mythology and original magic systems keeps things fresh, and the pacing is brisk without feeling rushed.
What really hooked me, though, was the humor. The book doesn’t take itself too seriously, and the banter between characters feels natural, almost like a witty friend group you’d want to join. If you’re tired of grimdark epics and want something lighter but still substantial, this is a great pick. Plus, the audiobook narrator nails the sarcastic tone perfectly—I’ve relistened to it twice now!
5 Answers2025-12-08 08:37:55
Shadowmagic is such a fun read! It's got this perfect blend of fantasy and adventure that keeps you hooked. I remember stumbling upon it years ago and devouring it in one sitting. Unfortunately, finding it legally for free can be tricky. The author, John Lenahan, has shared some chapters on his website in the past, but the full book isn’t officially available for free. You might check sites like Project Gutenberg or Open Library—they sometimes have older fantasy titles. Libraries are another great option; many offer digital loans through apps like Libby.
If you’re tight on cash, I’d honestly recommend saving up for it or waiting for a sale. Supporting authors directly helps them keep writing, and 'Shadowmagic' is totally worth the investment. Plus, used bookstores or Kindle deals might have it at a discount. It’s one of those hidden gems that deserves more love!
1 Answers2025-12-04 09:40:13
Shadowmagic' by John Lenahan is one of those hidden gems that feels like it was crafted just for fans of quirky fantasy adventures. The story revolves around a teenager named Connor, who's thrust into a world of magic, danger, and family secrets after discovering his dad isn't just some ordinary guy—he's actually the exiled prince of the magical land of Tir na Nog. Connor's journey is wild from the get-go, especially when he learns he's inherited some seriously powerful shadowmagic. What I love about him is how relatable he feels—he's snarky, impulsive, and totally out of his depth, but he grows so much throughout the story.
Then there's his dad, Lester, who's equal parts enigmatic and frustrating. He's got this whole 'mysterious mentor' vibe going on, but he's also kind of a mess, which makes their dynamic super entertaining. The banter between them is gold. And let's not forget the fiery and fiercely independent Araf, a warrior princess who ends up tangled in Connor's chaos. She's got this no-nonsense attitude that balances out his recklessness, and their chemistry—whether as allies or something more—is a highlight. The villain, Queen Maeve, is straight-up terrifying in the best way. She's cunning, ruthless, and has this eerie presence that makes every scene she's in tense. The cast just clicks together, making 'Shadowmagic' a blast to read. It's one of those books where even the side characters leave an impression, like the mischievous pixies or the gruff but loyal guards. Honestly, it's the kind of story that sticks with you long after the last page.