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On the nomadic steppes of Darhan, a knot is tied and worn for every promise that is made. Break that promise and the oathbreaker is scarred for life and cast out into the desert.
Fifteen-year-old Raim has worn a simple knot around his wrist for as long as he can remember. He doesn’t know where it came from or what promise it symbolizes — no one does — and he’s worn it so long that he barely thinks about it anymore.
Instead, all he can think about is the knot he will make when he joins the elite Yun guard. He’s been training for years and has proven to be the most promising among the young fighters.
But on the most important day of his life, when he binds his life to his best friend Khareh — the future king — that small knot bursts into flames and sears into Raim’s skin.
His elite training and his friendship with Khareh mean nothing now. Raim has only two options: run, or be killed.
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is the first book in a lesser-known duology, featuring an original story with a unique magic system. Vivid descriptions lend authenticity to the world, whose harsh steppes are reminiscent of Mongolia.
However, these detailed descriptions are both the story’s strongest and weakest points. While providing a strong sense of culture that makes the story stand apart from other books with similar desert settings, they make the beginning of the book go slowly. A good portion of the early pages is dedicated to establishing Raim’s life, his community, family, and friendship with Khareh. Once the story truly gets started, though, it’s a fast-paced adventure that doesn’t slow.
The Oathbreaker’s Shadow is a young adult fantasy book rife with the tension of unanswered questions, broken promises, and painful betrayals, and I quickly got hooked. The author creates a world that is easy to immerse yourself in, making this the perfect read for anyone looking for a far-off fantasy adventure rich in culture.
Rated: Mild. There is quite a bit of violence, featuring war, injury, blood, and death, but little detail. One character is driven to suicide after enduring perpetual torment by a wraith. Characters kiss. There are two uses of mild language.
