After the brazen attack on Israel, the Antichrist’s shadow grows.
Rhyme Carter faces the fight of her life to escape the clutches of her evil husband, the FBI, and a secret society hellbent on world domination.
Emery Merrick watches in horror as the Antichrist launches an international coup that changes the course of humanity forever.
In a race against time, Book III in the superlative, award-winning Ages of Malice series continues the saga of a downtrodden journalist enlisted to write the biography of a mad man. What Emery and Rhyme have failed to stop now grows unchecked as Cain threatens to solidify his dominance for all time.
From visionary author, Lloyd Jeffries, Embers of Shadow will keep you on the edge of your seat long after the incredible, mind-blowing climax.
Can mere mortals outwit the Antichrist to stop the coming apocalypse?
Can Rhyme Carter escape her pursuers and enlist the aid of surprising allies?
Can Emery break free from an evil that predicts every turn?
Embers of Shadow
What hath God wrought?
Don't miss the epic you won't soon forget!
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Book III of the Ages of Malice series, Embers of Shadow is a fast paced and well written fantasy adventure story. Its striking storyline carefully weaves together plot developments from different locations (the US and the Middle East) in a skillful and intelligent manner.
Prose: Jeffries's text is tense and thrilling, showcasing his adept use of language and thirst for detail. The tense and dramatic action scenes are nicely balanced with interesting stretches of dialogue that help aid character development.
Originality: Embers of Shadow features well choreographed action set pieces and finely crafted worlds. Jeffries's confidently written novel is not only a fine addition to the Ages of Malice series, but a noteworthy fantasy adventure novel in its own right.
Character/Execution: The characters in Embers of Shadow are interesting and well developed, particularly the central pairing of Rhyme Carter and Emery Merrick. Jeffries's fresh and dynamic dialogue helps accelerate the plot at an electrifying pace and infuses his characters with depth and complexity.
Blurb: An entertaining fantasy page-turner.
Date Submitted: April 22, 2024
This dark and horrifying narrative of biblical mythos puts well-known characters to good use, pulling from Bible text to evoke apocalyptic terror, as when Pappy observes that “Cain’s power grows. Soon he’ll be unstoppable. When that happens, woe to us all.” Jeffries successfully renders a harrowing thriller, embellishing Christian beliefs and incorporating enchanted weaponry and immortality to lend the plot a fantastical element—and transform the villainous Cain into an unstoppable monster. Yet, those who fight against Cain make their own heroic attempts, infusing the story with unsettling tension while racing against time, surviving fierce tactical strikes and catastrophic battles as Cain makes a nightmarish grasp for world dominion.
Though the storyline is easy to follow, readers will want to start with the first in the series; Jeffries’s characters—and their backstories—are deeply complex. The worldbuilding staggers, as Emery navigates the treachery behind Cain’s easy smiles, demons with “twisted lips [that] stretch around an overstuffed mouth,” and Rhyme’s dangerous, reckless love, all while his world shatters around him. The conclusion is as shocking as Jeffries’s sizzling treatment of the storied day of judgment. Fans of biblical retellings won’t want to miss this.
Takeaway: Scorching thriller of international terror and the Antichrist.
Comparable Titles: David McAfee's 33 A.D., Mark E. Fisher’s Days of the Apocalypse series.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
“A spectacular story…fascinating characters, unexpected twists and turns, and an ending that will blow you away even as you beg for more…I read the book in one sitting. What more could any reader want?”
"Wildly talented…Jeffries continues to go from strength to strength with this powerful saga. It’s terrifying…themes that explode off the page, Jeffries gives as good as a reader can possibly get.”
"Grips you from the first moment with its imaginative, descriptive worldbuilding. Unpredictable twists and intense climax reflect Jeffries’ mastery in creating an intricate and immersive world…a rollercoaster of suspense and revelation.”
"A continuation of the powerful brand of nonstop action and discovery...his particular style of description, character-building focus, and deeper inspections of the origins, incarnation, and roots of malevolence in the world makes for a story that draws with religious foundations and then shakes them with sci-fi and fantasy elements."
"The gifted work by this author continues unabated. Incredibly well-crafted...the pacing of this story is so intense, it will drive a reader to the edge. This book will nearly overwhelm your senses. I can't recommend this enough."
"Will enamor fantasy and thriller readers alike. Gritty, action-packed, and filled to the brim with suspense and political intrigue…a stellar addition to the Ages of Malice series.”
"An incredible novel…Lloyd Jeffries is a master storyteller with a gift for creating vivid images with his words. I was sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. Jeffries always surprised me and I loved every moment…magnificent!”
"The entire Ages of Malice series is worth devouring every word, and the ending (equally of all the books) will send shocks…unpredictable and gape-worthy.”
"A wonderfully complex fantasy thriller with a BLAST of an ending! Pick up a copy of all three novels now. Trust me; you won’t regret it.”
"Cinematic…like one is watching a movie.”
