Rating: 3.5/5
I received an eARC for my honest opinion.

I think I would have liked this book more if I had read the series before this one.

I thought the book did a good job, explaining everything that happened in the previous books, but I think I would have liked it more knowing all the little things from them.

I thought the world was well developed and I am interested in learning more about it, but I had to stop reading/listening to the audio because I felt so lost. If I had known that this was a spinoff series from the first trilogy, I would have read those books first before diving into this very interesting world that the author brought us.

I will say that if you have read the first trilogy you will probably love this book because you already know the characters and the world building.

Once I read the other series, I will be picking up this book and giving it a true review.

I did receive the audio of the book as well, and I do not have anything to say that is bad against the narrators at all. I thought they did a wonderful job, and it was not confusing at all to know who was talking and who wasn’t.

This is the first installment of Maxyms adult fantasy romance spin-off series, Guild of Night.

In this story we are following Gaige as he tries to navigate through his new undead life as an immortal assassin of Crour. He has lost the ability to form deep connections with animals and has no idea how to control his new shadow powers. Kost tries desperately to help Gaige train his new powers, lest the shadows consume him and drag Gaige to the shadow realm forever. Kost will not let this happen.

Gaiges story is packed full of action, romance, magic and very interesting characters. Maxym did a fantastic job of giving this story the depth of an epic fantasy without the slow writing. I went into this book not having read the original trilogy, The Beast Charmer, and it didn’t take away anything from the plot line. I only reason I would recommend you read the original trilogy first, is so oh can have an idea of the emotion attachment these friends have to each other and have a more solid picture of each individual character. But again, if you didn’t, then no harm not fowl. I could not put this book down. It is very rare that I enjoy all of the characters in a book and this was 100% one of them. I’m excited to read about each one’s origin story and home that they all get their own book!

I absolutely loved the relationship between Gaige and Kost. It didn’t feel forced or two dimensional and the relationship felt genuine to the characters. Both characters are flawed with personal trauma and it left so much room for character growth. The romance scenes in here were *chefs kiss*

Will absolutely be picking up the original trilogy while I wait (impatiently) for the next book in this series.

Did not like the story or the characters. I almost didn’t finish this but I pushed through and all I wish is that I did give up on this book earlier.

Unfortunately it seems that this book was mislabeled and is not a new series at all, but continues on in the same world that the author's other books takes place in. It is unfortunate since The Beast Charmer series is YA and Shadows of the Lost is adult.

Thank you to the publisher for the free audiobook, but maybe a sign to edit the blurb.

DNF at 25%. I couldn't get into the story and had a hard time finding something interesting in the characters

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.

Book Shadows of the Lost
Author Maxym M. Martineau
Narrated by Mark Sanderlin; Nick Mondelli; Jess Nahikian; Jay Alder

- DNF
- Knowledge of The Beast Charmer Series Required
- Not a Good Starting Place for New Readers

This is an unfair review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the Audiobook ARC of Maxym M. Martineau’s Shadows of the Lost

The book appears mislabeled as a new series instead of a spin-off, which required a decent base of knowledge from the original series. As a new reader jumping in I felt completely lost within the first 10% and eventually quit around 15%. However, I have added the Original Series to my TBR. After reading it, I plan to revisit this as the description of the magic system was truly unique and intriguing.

This was an excellent read. Especially as I was coming off a slump where nothing was hitting quite right. The pacing was nice and quick, the characters were interesting and the beasts were even better, The world-building is expertly done in a way that you can easily visualize it but you don't get bogged down in the details. I was unaware of the prior series which I imagine didn't do me any favors, but if anything, this prompted me to be excited to go read more to better my understanding and come back to read this again to see how much better it hits with more information. I do not think you need to have read the prior trilogy to understand, however, I'm sure it helps! There was plenty of action and this story had everything I needed to be happy and ready to devour more. It was also really nice for a book that is part of a series to end without a massive cliffhanger but still leaving you ready for the next.

Book 1 of Guild of the Night Series. This is a spin off. You should read the original trilogy. You don’t have to but it will explain Kost & Gaige’s relationship & what’s happened to get them to this point.

This was an action packed story. The world & beasts are drawn so beautifully! You can imagine being there. Miscommunication is a common trope for YA/NA and this book uses it to almost frustrating levels. You are definitely rooting for them but how can Kost get beyond Gaige’s actions.

Adult situations/theme. LGBTQ+

I look forward to book 2.

I listened to about 20% of the book and was confused on what was going on. It felt like I was missing something. Then after some research I realized that this wasn't a stand alone series and that the reason why I was so confused was because the world building and character development happened in other series. So unfortunately I can not give back any review.

Shadows of the Lost continues Maxym M. Martineau's Beast Tamers series with an angsty m/m romance. In the previous series, Gaige died and was brought back because of Kost. Now Gaige can't commune with regular beasts, only those with shadow or death magic. He's grieving his life before and is angry, depressed, near to giving up on life. Kost feels guilty and responsible for Gaige's misery and for the danger the shadows put everyone in.
The setup is angsty and should work better than it does. Unfortunately, Martineau relies too heavily on the previous trilogy in her worldbuilding and since Sourcebooks botched that series, this one really should have been edited to stand alone better. In case you aren't aware, the first in the original series was published as an adult fantasy romance. Then Martineau edited and Sourcebooks released a YA version of the same novel and the following books were pushed in that direction as well. The books aren't really YA or adult, sitting in that New Adult spac e no one knew how to market. I didn't read books two and three because I was frustrated. I decided to give this reboot a try, but it was really hard to get into because of this gap.
As with the original, however, the Pokemon-like world-building is interesting if you can get over the inherent ick of the beast/master relationship. The beasts themselves are creatively imagined and the magic system is expanded in Shadows of the Lost as Gaige struggles with his new powers and loss of his former connections.
It takes a while for the two leads to get over their issues and try for a relationship, but given how angry Gaige is, I think it made sense. Additionally, Kost is in a position of power and that needed to be dealt with.
I listened to this book on audio and appreciated that the audio publisher cast different narrators for Gaige and Kost instead of having one performer narrator both POVs. The narration itself is well done and the performer of Gaige's POV was appropriately gravelly and grumpy.
I recommend this book to readers of the original trilogy and to readers who have the patience to sift through a bunch of pre-existing plot before getting to the central romance.
*
I listened to a copy of this audiobook from the publisher for review.

I'd like to think Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the arc copy of this audiobook. This in no way alters my thoughts or opinions in this review.

Shadows of the Lost was such a great book. The story was well told and detailed. The narration was very well done. Each of the narrators done a really great job with their character. I did not realize this was a spin off of another series, but after listening to this audiobook I will definitely be reading or listening to the other series!

Quick and easy read. This story was fast paced and full of twist and turns to keep you engaged and entertained throughout.

I enjoyed returning to the world of Charmers and Beasts from a new perspective. Just like the first trilogy the series has a Fantastic Beasts meets the Darklings shadows from Shadows and Bones. Kost and Gaige were a great new couple that I enjoyed seeing both characters grow in their own personal needs and magic. The story was a quick over all easy read but that could be because I read the original trilogy and already knew their world. I liked getting to see Leena and Noc who were the main characters in the first series again.

This is the first book I’m a spin off series but it reds most like book four of the series, so I would recommend reading the first trilogy to really understand the wonderful magical world.

The other thing is other than the first book that was released in adult and ya, the first series was Ya where as this book is adult.

DNF

I am not a huge fan of fantasy stories that start in the middle of a time period. I feel like there wasn’t enough world building and found myself lost so often. I didn’t end up finishing this story because of these reasons.

I loved the cover and synopsis for this book. However I didn't realize it was a spin off to an already existing series that I haven't read. I enjoyed the different creatures but because this world was already established I felt like I was missing important context to the how's and why's of this world. I did enjoy Gaige and Kost's relationship, they had great chemistry in this slow burn romance. It was also refreshing to read a gay fantasy romance for a change. The smut scenes were well done as well. I wish I had felt an emotional connection to these characters, maybe that would have been different had I read the previous series. The narration was great though. All in all, this was entertaining, unique and a quick readbut I was left wanting more. 3 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC Audiobook for my honest review! The audiobook narrators first off were phenomenal! Their performances were great and it was so nice to have a different voice for each POV. One of the last audiobooks I read had two different POVs and only one narrator and I would forget who’s perspective we were on. I loved the relationship between Gaige and Kost and the slow burn of their romance. Forewarning there are 2-3 explicit sex scenes in the book, but, even with my disliking of them I still greatly enjoyed the book. The action was constant and there wasn’t a time I was bored from the story. This is a spin off of the authors other series “The Beast Charmer” and I didn’t do my diligence before reading and see that so I went into the novel a little confused. It still does a good job of explaining things in “The Beast Charmer” world, though I’m sure I would of enjoyed this more reading the previous series beforehand.

dnf at 16%

16% in, I still don't understand the first ting about the worldbuilding. The only fact I know for sure is that the group of people this book focuses on are able to tame fantastical animal hybrids with powers that remind me of pokémon. Some of the assassins (?), on the other hand, are undead. There are also undead pokémon. Shadow tendrils are being wielded, which sounds awfully familiar.

Really, if the interpersonal relationships were more interesting, I could have forced myself to pay more attention to the fantastical elements of this M/M romance, but Gage and Kost were about as three-dimensional as two crêpes. Laid out next to each other, not put in a delicious little pancake pile. I did not get the point of the relationship drama, and I did not care.

I stopped reading before I wasted too much time on this book, and you probably should too!

This was an amazing first book for a series I really enjoyed the characters and the tone and pacing were really well done.
I was obvious from the beginning of the story that it is a continuation of a previously started I will be picking up the other books but I really enjoyed this story and will be pick up more books

“Shadows of the Lost" by Maxym M Martineau takes readers on an intense and compelling journey through a world filled with magical beasts, shadows, and powerful emotions. This epic New Adult fantasy with a hint of spice offers a unique premise and a plot that keeps you hooked until the very end.

Martineau's world-building is exceptional, transporting readers into a vivid and enchanting realm. The magical beasts and the people who interact with them are beautifully depicted, making them feel both fantastical and relatable. The author's descriptions paint a clear picture of this captivating world, immersing readers in its wonders.

The characters, Kost and Gaige, shine in this novel. Having enjoyed their presence in the original trilogy, I was thrilled to delve deeper into their story. Their relationship is filled with longing, bitterness, and hope, creating a compelling dynamic. The slow burn romance is well-executed, striking a balance between anticipation and frustration. However, at times, I found myself urging them to communicate their feelings more openly.

The pacing of the story is well-handled, keeping the plot engaging and the pages turning. The action sequences, particularly in taming the magical creatures and exploring the shadow world, are vividly described and add excitement to the narrative. Although some readers may find the detailed fight scenes overwhelming, they contribute to the story's intensity and add a thrilling element for action enthusiasts.

While "Shadows of the Lost" may not resonate with all readers, the book finds its strength in its world-building, dynamic characters, and gripping plot. Martineau delivers a fantastical tale that combines high fantasy, paranormal elements, and romance, offering a compelling read for those seeking an epic adventure with a touch of spice.

In conclusion, "Shadows of the Lost" by Maxym M Martineau is a captivating New Adult fantasy that immerses readers in a world of magical beasts, shadows, and intricate emotions. With its well-crafted world-building, compelling characters, and thrilling plot, this book will satisfy fans of epic fantasy with a dash of romance. While it may not appeal to every reader, those who appreciate intense action and a unique premise will find themselves enthralled by this enchanting tale.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ARC. This review is my own and contains my own opinions.

The world Maxym creates is absolutely stunning. The beasts and the people are magical and yet feel like they could be your best friend.

Kost and Gaige were characters I enjoyed from the original trilogy, so when I learned that they were getting their own book, I was over the moon.

The story was quick, and the pacing was great. There was a good amount of slow burn without it being so drawn out that I got annoyed (though I did scream "communication" out loud to both of them at some point or another).

You can easily picture the world, as it's described so beautifully.

I can't wait for her next books and to see where the rest of the guild continues.