This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
A full-time personal trainer and competitive powerlifter, Cal started writing seriously in 2017, drawing inspiration from history, his time spent practicing mixed martial arts, and of course, books. Cal lives in Chicago with his wife, Taylor, and his dachshund, Rizzo.
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
ShadowBane, the first book in the Schism of Souls series by Cal Logan, is an epic fantasy novel about twin siblings, Shura and Jin, the last of a divine bloodline. They battle demons while grappling with their own fates: Shura seeking honor, and Jin attempting to escape political machinations. As they pursue a dangerous cult and face an ancient demon with a vendetta, they uncover a prophecy that could doom them both. With alliances and survival at stake, their bond is tested, and the cost of victory is steep.
Author Cal Logan offers readers a richly detailed world where political intrigue and magic blend seamlessly, and I found myself totally hooked right from the start of this truly epic adventure. The intricate prophecy and looming sense of fate carry the plot forward with suspense. Logan imbues the story with an epic, mythological quality using ethereal, atmospheric descriptions and some brilliant dialogue choices that feel otherworldly and deeply ominous. The sibling dynamic between Shura and Jin is wonderfully emotionally complex. I loved their exchanges. The originality and realism make them totally separate people with different vulnerabilities and motivations, yet it’s clear they’re on the same wavelength when it really matters. The sharp pacing keeps us on edge, expertly balancing intense battle scenes with quieter moments of reflection that let the world and its lore, history, and political structures sink in before we rocket off into the next exciting twist. Overall, ShadowBane is a superb series opener that starts A Schism of Souls with high fantasy and intense drama, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.
