An Instruction in Shadow by Benedict JackaMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stephen's mother left when he was a baby, his father disappeared three years ago. Since then he's been living hand to mouth, gradually improving his Drucraft and finding wells for a magical corporation. He has discovered that he is the unacknowledged and oldest grandchild of a new, but powerful, magical family, but his grandfather wants nothing to do with him and has named one of Stephen's half-brothers as his heir. His other two half-siblings are actively attempting to eliminate him from the running, despite Stephen having no interest in becoming the head of the House.
When one of Stephen's old friends starts running his mouth off at work about Stephen having magical powers the police are called and Stephen loses his job, it seems like all he faces are bad options, a suspicious offer from a man called Byron who seems to hold sway over Stephen's half sister, dodgy off-the books well raids, or acting as a security guard for his half-brother.
Stephen learns more about the politics of the world he has been thrust into, but can he keep himself alive?
So hard to review.
I loved this, and yet, did it get us anywhere? This most definitely felt like the middle book in a series, but it also feels too big a story to get wrapped up in just three books. I wonder if, like Alex Verus, Stephen is gradually creating friendships and alliances which will help him win through eventually.
Can't wait for the next book.
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