The Outstretched Shadow is the first book in the Obsidian Trilogy, a fantasy series written by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory. Set in a world called Eldh, the story follows the journey of a young girl named Kellen Tavadon, who discovers her magical abilities and becomes entangled in a battle against an ancient evil.

The book begins with Kellen, a seemingly ordinary girl living in the city of Armethalieh. She is the daughter of the Arch-Mage Lycaelon, one of the most powerful mages in Eldh. However, Kellen has always felt like an outcast due to her lack of magical talent. Her father is disappointed in her and treats her with disdain, while her mother is distant and uninvolved.

One day, Kellen stumbles upon a hidden chamber in her father’s tower and finds a mysterious book called the Book of Wild Magic. As she starts reading it, she discovers that she possesses an innate ability to wield wild magic, a rare and dangerous form of magic that has been outlawed for centuries. Excited by this newfound power, Kellen begins to secretly practice her magic.

Meanwhile, another storyline unfolds in the kingdom of Armethalieh. The ruling council, known as the Conclave, is corrupt and power-hungry. They have been secretly plotting to overthrow Lycaelon and take control of Eldh. To achieve their goal, they make a pact with an ancient evil force known as the Endarkened.

As Kellen delves deeper into her magical studies, she attracts the attention of both the Conclave and the Endarkened. They see her as a threat and seek to either control or eliminate her. With the help of a few loyal friends, including Gryf, a shape-shifting unicorn, and Idalia, a powerful mage from another realm, Kellen embarks on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth about her powers and stop the Conclave’s sinister plans.

Throughout the book, Kellen faces numerous challenges and encounters various magical creatures, including dragons, elves, and goblins. She learns about the history of Eldh and the ancient conflict between the forces of light and darkness. As she grows stronger in her magic, Kellen must confront her own fears and insecurities, ultimately embracing her destiny as a powerful mage.

The Outstretched Shadow is a captivating tale of adventure, magic, and self-discovery. It explores themes of identity, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. With its richly imagined world and well-developed characters, the book sets the stage for an epic fantasy series that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages.

• The Outstretched Shadow

• The Obsidian Trilogy, Book 1
• By: Mercedes Lackey, James Mallory
• Narrated by: Susan Ericksen

Kellen Tavadon, son of Arch-Mage Lycaelon, thinks he knows how the world works. His father, leader of the wise and benevolent Council of Mages, protected and guided the citizens of the Golden City of Bells. Young Mages in training—all men, as women are unfit to practice magic—memorize the intricacies of Advanced Magic and aspire to get a seat in Council.

Then Kellen found forbidden books on wild magic—or did they find him? Their magic is like a living being, guided by the hearts and minds of those who practice it and benefit from it. Questioning all she knows, Kellen uncovers too many dark secrets of the City. Expelled, with the Outlaw Hunt in pursuit, Kellen casts Wild Magic—and finds herself on the run with a unicorn by her side.

Rescued by a unicorn, healed by a sorceress of the Wild, who knows more about Kellen than anyone outside the City, encounters the Goblin royal family and Goblin warriors, and plunges into A world filled with magical creatures, Kellen is both enamored and terrified of her new freedom. One thing that all the Mages of the City agreed on was that the practice of Wild Magic would corrupt a Mage—turning him into a Demon. Is that Kellen’s fate?

Deep in the Obsidian Mountains, the Devil awaits. Since their defeat in the last Great War, they have been waiting for their time, sowing seeds of distrust and discontent between their human enemies and their Elves. Right now, when the Demons rise to war, there will be no alliance between Advanced Magic and Wilderness against them. And then all the world will belong to Endarkened.

This is an excellent book, full of detail and action. Great story and well read by the narrator. A complete pleasure to listen to. The story has a happy ending that doesn’t get you hanged. Just makes you want to hear the next book.

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This book pulled me into its strange and wonderful world. I enjoyed the contrast between the two lives Kellen lived and indeed the two worlds that exist in the book, the world of Amathalia and the world beyond its portal. I love how the authors make you guess Lycelon’s intentions, if he was born evil and selfish. Or if his concerns are really valuable. I can’t wait to hear the next book in the series, so please Audible bring up the last two books in the series.

I really liked this book. I’m a bit confused about the narrator, as I’m used to the narrator in the Enduring Flames series, but despite some different pronunciations, I like her for the narrator as well. The storyline is very engaging and I’m ready for the next book. I want to hear more about Idalia and Jermayan, and about Kellen and his newfound powers.

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