 | A few months ago I came across a new author on Twitter -- Aduro Tri. His book, Within Shadows, sounded fascinating. "Visit the world of Ethias, and see how mythical creatures and humans take you on a fantastic journey. Experience the events that occur Within Shadows, by Aduro Tri," says the book's Twitter profile. So I decided to give it a go. I'm reading it at the moment on my Galaxy Samsung Android tablet, and will post a review as soon as I've finished it. Initial thoughts: Very different. Unusual writing style. Great characters from a variety of species. Within Shadows Twitter account: https://twitter.com/within_shadows Find the book on Amazon: Amazon USA: Amazon UK: |
So, let's hand over to the author himself, Aduro Tri, to tell us a little more about Within Shadows.
Being the General for a small kingdom in an ancient world of magic is tough. Even tougher considering that millions of lives count on you to keep them safe. Making matters worse, you’re working for your family too. What kind of person could handle that, you ask?
Meet Elvera Antos, an equine Animeleist (animal person), who one day wakes up in her own bed, battered and bruised from what appeared to be a fight she doesn’t even remember. Which is strange considering how much she enjoys fighting. Had she been drinking at the time? No; as she will quickly realize, something wasn’t quite right.
So let's take a quick look at some of the species in the world of Ethias:
Animeleists—One of the more prominent races throughout the world, in its history, they're technically the origin of just about every race in the world through evolution. Still a tribal race in their deepest roots, they appear as an assortment of anthropomorphic animals with varying characteristics. Some may appear more human-like with just a few animal features on their bodies, while others appear more animal-like. Some of the many animals they can appear as include large felines, wolves, foxes and equines. Of course, those are just examples.
Phoenixes—The Avian extension of Animeleists that eventually evolved into their own race. Originally starting off as just simple avians, they eventually became full-on birds of fire with a form of immortality that requires them to burn their bodies in a ritual. They, like their mammal cousins, have varying appearances ranging from human-esque to more avian. They are a warrior race, too, with females being more prominent warriors among them.
Reptilians—(Reptilia for short) They are a race that's long since believed to be extinct in Ethias for millennia, the reptilian extension of Animeleists. At one point in history they mysteriously vanished and no one has seen them since. So, knowledge on them is presently limited. (As in I don't want to share it right now.)
| Dragons—Originating from the Reptilia over centuries of evolution. Unlike their ancestors, they gained the power to utilize not only magic, but the biology to breathe both fire and ice as well as maintaining their overall body temperature. Unlike most other species, though, they are shrunken down in size and usually walk upright on two legs. Though they are still known for being able to walk on all fours, especially if they are raised in a feral environment. There are a few different sub-species of dragon as well, each different. However, again, that's for another time. Elves—One of the most well known races in all of mythology. Like with other forms of elves, they too are biologically 'immortal'. They simply cannot die from age. Though, they are not immune to death as a whole, as disease, weariness and injury can bring them down. Unlikely though, as they are also known especially for their skills in the healing arts. They are divided into several sub-species of elf in particular based upon their magic. Which, once more is, for another time. |  |
Humans—Though humans are a bit longer-lived in Ethias, they aren't much different to humans from other worlds. They are pretty self-explanatory as a whole. Though, compared to some of the other races in the world, they can actually choose whether they want to practice magic or not in Ethias. What sets them apart though is that their lives can reach above 400 years.
Dwarves—They, like other counterparts, are pretty into metalworks. They are an extension of the human race at the exact same time, despite their differences. Though compared to some of the other worlds, not all of them actually have beards. They don't live as long as humans either, usually 100-200 years. Maybe a bit more.
Gigantos—Also known as Giants. They are basically larger humans in some regards; the opposite of dwarves. Though their bodies are built better for it in comparison to other worlds with humans.
Of course, this isn't everything. But not everything has been revealed just yet in the World of Ethias. I like leaving a few surprises to the imagination and enjoyment of the readers.
Dwarves—They, like other counterparts, are pretty into metalworks. They are an extension of the human race at the exact same time, despite their differences. Though compared to some of the other worlds, not all of them actually have beards. They don't live as long as humans either, usually 100-200 years. Maybe a bit more.
Gigantos—Also known as Giants. They are basically larger humans in some regards; the opposite of dwarves. Though their bodies are built better for it in comparison to other worlds with humans.
Of course, this isn't everything. But not everything has been revealed just yet in the World of Ethias. I like leaving a few surprises to the imagination and enjoyment of the readers.
 | About The Author, and Within Shadows Aduro Tri is my pen name, and I am an author with a simple love of the craft. Writing is among one of my greatest passions and always will be. The reasons I write simply relate to my interactions with my friends and the joy of creating worlds through my interpretations of how I view the world through a combination of mythology and science as a whole. So on some level, my works do have some grounds in reality, including how I portray my sentient races. |
Though you may find some surprises tucked away in there in terms of world lore. Overall, my works as a whole were inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien in particular. Even if I wish I could create the languages he did...
In terms of the story, well, to put it simply, it was motivated and inspired by a fanfiction I wrote a couple years prior that reignited my love of writing. I'm thankful to it for reigniting my passion for writing, but I had to move on and create my own stories too. So I decided to use it as inspiration and 'converted' the story from a fanfiction into a truly original work. From there, I was further inspired to turn it into a massive and expansive world, not that different from DC or Marvel. But, instead of in a modern era, I decided on a High Fantasy setting with touches of Scifi added into it.
In terms of the story, well, to put it simply, it was motivated and inspired by a fanfiction I wrote a couple years prior that reignited my love of writing. I'm thankful to it for reigniting my passion for writing, but I had to move on and create my own stories too. So I decided to use it as inspiration and 'converted' the story from a fanfiction into a truly original work. From there, I was further inspired to turn it into a massive and expansive world, not that different from DC or Marvel. But, instead of in a modern era, I decided on a High Fantasy setting with touches of Scifi added into it.
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