Lightshed ~ Review

Lightshed

The Gateway Trilogy #2

By Crystal Grant

The coveted Shadowstone is finally his. But what will it cost him?

This is the second book in The Gateway Trilogy and it opens with a glimpse into the past. We see again the incident that at its heart is the reason Mason Grey joined the troops of Emperor Jader. We don't see the death of Mason's brother, but rather the decision that resulted in a tragic mistake. We see it from Prince Eric's perspective and how his search for the Shadowpit had long-reaching consequences - pain and regrets. 

We then move forward twelve years; Mason now wears the Shadowstone, and with its added strengths, he would make the Stewards pay for their actions. But one thing tugs against his mission of revenge and devotion to the Emperor - Seria Gayle.

Seria and Mason find themselves on the wrong side of the clash between their people. Both feel guilt about their feelings for the other and wish to bring the other over to what they feel is the right side of the conflict. This one line sums it up so well: How could something feel so wrong and right at once?

The coveted Shadowstone is finally his. But what will it cost him? This is the question Mason Grey must answer as he carries out the will of Emperor Jader, which is in contrast to his feelings for Seria Gayle. How can he reconcile his need for revenge with the love he feels? In a world caught in a destructive conflict, Mason and Seria find themselves at the heart of everything. This is a world you will want to visit more than once. Some layers and complexities slowly reveal themselves with each reading, allowing one to notice something new. Like when you finally realize something that has been out in the open forever, but it was lost in the surroundings because it was just there not flashy and showy, just present. This is similar. This series has an epic feel to it, and often, these are the stories that need to be read through with a desire to know what's next and, on the second time, a slower, more thoughtful enjoyment to savor all the flavors more fully.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Empowered by his new role as Shadowman, Mason Grey has strengthened his resolve against the Steward Army and the prince he has sworn to kill. But his heart is torn between justice for his brother and desire for the girl who stands with his enemy. Determined to bridge the gap, he risks everything he’s worked for to try to win her over to his side.

Convinced there is still good in him, Seria Gayle makes up her mind to point Mason to the truth, even if it means betraying the Stewards she has befriended. When the dark Emperor Jader turns his sights on the Gateway between his realm and theirs, Seria makes a bold decision that takes her far from home and into enemy territory. But standing between light and darkness comes with a price, and she fears the cost for Mason’s salvation may be too high to pay.

As tensions heat up on both sides of the Gateway, Mason is given a challenging assignment that will strengthen his master’s army for years to come–but it could mean losing Seria forever. To make matters worse, his abilities as a Reader begin spiraling out of control. Will this mission of vengeance bring him the closure he needs…or destroy him from the inside out?